Daniel Batten’s Post

Everyone debates Bitcoin’s energy use. Few see what it is actually doing for the planet. Bitcoin is often criticized for its power consumption. But when you look at the data and the design, a different story emerges. One of innovation, not inefficiency. ▪️Turning waste into value Bitcoin mining captures and monetizes energy that would otherwise be wasted. From flared natural gas to stranded hydro to excess wind and solar, miners are putting underused resources to work. These are energy sources that had no economic outlet until Bitcoin. Projects worldwide are turning stranded gas into revenue, cutting flaring, and tapping into what was once a $16 billion dollar global loss. ▪️Efficiency improves with innovation and scale While proof of work grows with adoption, tools like the Lightning Network allow Bitcoin to handle far more transactions, lowering energy use per user. Data from CCAF shows that even as hashrate reaches record highs, total energy use grows more slowly. This reflects rising mining efficiency over time. ▪️ Accelerating clean energy adoption A new Cambridge study finds that over 52.4 percent of mining already comes from sustainable energy sources, including 42.6 percent renewables such as hydro and wind, and 9.8 percent nuclear, up from 37.6 percent in 2022. The Bitcoin Mining Council reports this mix is steadily improving, making Bitcoin one of the few industries that openly reports and improves its energy mix. Critics argue that Bitcoin is bad for the environment. The more pertinent question is: compared to what? And more importantly, are we truly wasting energy, or are we finally putting it to productive use? Few industries are as transparent about energy use, as effective at absorbing waste, or as catalytic in driving renewable adoption. By monetizing abundant natural power, Bitcoin creates a new economic incentive to build a sustainable future. Bitcoin does not waste energy. It reveals its true value.

♻️ “Bitcoin mining is a clean technology.” Not something you hear every day—but it could be one of the most important energy stories of our time. 🎥 WATCH/LISTEN NOW: https://lnkd.in/e97cbvkr Bitcoin’s energy use has been widely criticized. But what if it’s exactly what makes it useful for accelerating renewable adoption? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Owen Vaughan, CEO of Bitroots, about how Bitcoin mining is helping monetize surplus renewables, stabilize grids, and even enable certified green Bitcoin. 🧠 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ In Ethiopia, mining turned excess hydro into $200M State utilities earned hundreds of millions by redirecting surplus electricity into Bitcoin, funding further development. 2️⃣ Texas mining stabilizes the grid Miners soak up excess power during low demand, and shut down when the grid is stressed—freeing up energy for others. 3️⃣ Bitcoin miners go where energy is wasted They don’t need cities or infrastructure. That makes them ideal for monetizing renewables in remote areas. 4️⃣ Mining itself emits no CO₂ The impact depends entirely on the energy source—and over 40% of Bitcoin’s global energy mix is now renewable. 5️⃣ The UK may be losing £1B a year Wasted wind energy due to curtailment could be harnessed via Bitcoin mining—if policy catches up. 6️⃣ Green Bitcoin is here Platforms like Bitroots are verifying and certifying clean mining operations. ESG-conscious buyers are already paying a premium. 7️⃣ This model is future-proof Even post-halving, transaction fees will sustain miners—creating lasting incentives for clean energy use. 8️⃣ Mining can even be carbon-negative By capturing flared gas and converting it to electricity, miners can lower net emissions while securing the network. — 🌱 Rethinking energy, incentives, and crypto all in one episode. Would you pay extra for verifiably green Bitcoin? 👇 Let us know in the comments.

These facts are more obvious for those of us living in the #US #WEST: The West’s data centers suck (water and power) “Sustainable” bitcoin mining is an oxymoron, given the enormous amounts of power and water data centers consume. From simple searches to chatGPT, the big digital buildup threatens the grid and water supplies. This May, STaX Capital Partners applied for a permit to install turbines fueled by methane from oil wells on Alaska’s North Slope. The temporary facilities would serve as a proof of concept for a much larger gas-fired power plant — with an output equal to that of the state’s largest coal-fired plant — all of whose electricity would go to a planned bitcoin-mining data center located nearby. The Alaska-based company told Northern Journal it hopes to “create the playbook for sustainable, at-scale Bitcoin mining in Alaska.”  But “sustainable” bitcoin mining is an oxymoron, given the enormous amounts of power and water data centers consume. The massive server banks that run nearly every aspect of our digital world churn away in warehouse-like buildings in Phoenix, Las Vegas, rural Washington and Wyoming, each gobbling as much electricity as a small city to process AI queries, cryptocurrency extraction and other aspects of our increasingly cloud-based society. The harder they work, the hotter they get, and the more power and water they need to cool off. “Sustainable” bitcoin mining is an oxymoron, given the enormous amounts of power and water data centers consume. https://lnkd.in/gmpRGb6G

As OXBO specialise in recruiting for both the tech and renewables spaces, it's always interesting to read an article that is about the convergence of both, which is why this piece about Chile being AI-powered backbone of the green transition piqued my interest. Few countries are as central to the world’s clean energy future as Chile. It’s not just because it’s the #1 copper producer and #2 in lithium – both essential for EVs, batteries, solar, and wind. It’s because Chile is reinventing how resource-rich nations mine, manage, and market these critical minerals. What’s different about Chile’s approach? - AI in mining: Predictive maintenance has cut catastrophic equipment failures by up to 60%, saving millions in downtime and optimising water and energy use. - Smarter exploration: AI pinpoints high-grade ore and even recovers up to 40% of copper from mining waste. - Blockchain transparency: Initiatives like Renova track renewable energy use in copper production, giving global buyers verifiable proof of sustainability. - Green hydrogen leadership: Targeting world’s lowest-cost production by 2030 and top 3 exporter status by 2040. While challenges remain, such as aging mines, environmental pressures, community concerns, Chile’s mix of innovation, sustainability and human capital investment makes it a model for how the green transition can be driven by tech as much as by natural resources. As demand for copper is set to rise 50% and lithium 600% by 2040, Chile isn’t just keeping up – it’s showing what a future-facing mining economy can look like. What do you think? Will other resource-rich countries follow its lead? #Sustainability #GreenTransition #MiningInnovation #AI #Blockchain #GreenHydrogen #Chile #CleanEnergy https://lnkd.in/e67NVyk6

Unlocking Trifecta Value: How Verified ESG Integration Powers Profitable Bitcoin Mining, Renewable Growth & Climate Capital The convergence of Bitcoin mining and renewable energy isn’t just inevitable—it’s accelerating. Yet without credible ESG verification, this $12B+ opportunity remains trapped between greenwashing accusations and regulatory uncertainty. At ESG Disclose, we’re bridging the gap. Here’s how: 1. For Bitcoin Miners: Turn ESG Compliance Into Competitive Advantage Miners face a perfect storm: energy volatility, policy scrutiny, and investor demands for sustainability. We enable: ✅ Sub-5¢/kWh Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) via stranded renewable integration (see Wyoming’s 85% renewable mining at $0.042/kWh) ✅ Carbon credit monetisation ($20-50/MWh value) through AI-verified clean energy usage ✅ 40% higher valuations (CoinShares 2023) by meeting BlackRock/Fidelity ETF sustainability criteria Our AI-driven platform which includes an intelligent carbon calculator provides real-time proof of <50 g CO₂eq/kWh operations—the gold standard for ESG capital access. 2. For Renewable Energy Companies: Transform Curtailment Into Cash Flow Renewable Generators and other developers use our framework to: 🔥 Monetize 95%+ curtailed energy (vs. 15-30% lost revenue) 🚀 Slash payback periods from 7-10 years to 4-6 years (Wyoming case) 🌱 Unlock green bonds with 2.5x oversubscription rates (Bloomberg 2024) We work with partners to co-design mining-integrated projects that boost IRR by 12-18% while qualifying for tax incentives like Malaysia’s 0% GITA allowance until 2030. 3. For Climate Investors: De-Risk the Energy-Digital Convergence Institutional capital needs auditable impact data. We deliver: 📊 Lifecycle emissions tracking across hybrid value chains 💸 4-7% lower financing costs for ESG-verified projects (PwC 2024) 🔒 Dual-sector compliance (TCFD/CSRD + Bitcoin Mining Council standards) 76% of crypto investors now mandate ESG compliance—we turn mining sites into bankable infrastructure. The ESG Disclose Difference While generic ESG tools falter at the energy-crypto nexus, our proprietary technology offers: 📊Auto-updating regulatory alignment across 120+ jurisdictions (MiCA, SEC, ASEAN) 📊Supply chain transparency from panel manufacturing to miner procurement 📊Investor-grade reporting for carbon offsets, rural electrification impact, and grid resilience Ready to future-proof your strategy? We’re offering free initial assessments for renewable-mining pilot projects. 👉 Message me or visit www.esg-disclose.com to explore how 90-day integration can unlock: 💸Miners: 30% margin boosts via carbon credits 💸Developers: $50M+ green bond eligibility 💸Investors: First-mover access in ASEAN’s $3.1B mining market Together, we’re building infrastructure where profitability and planetary impact converge. #GreenBitcoin #RenewableEnergy #ESGInvesting #BitcoinMining #ClimateTech #SustainableFinance #EnergyTransition #Web3

Wind farms were paid not to generate c.40% of their potential electricity Why does this matter for UK advisers? 👇 This displaced energy ends up increasing consumer bills and wasting renewable capacity. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼? Bitcoin mining offers a 24/7 “buyer of last resort” for surplus clean energy: 🔋 France is proposing a 5-year pilot to redirect excess nuclear power into Bitcoin mining, potentially harvesting $100–150 million in annual revenue, while easing grid strain. 🌊 Bhutan is mining Bitcoin using hydropower, a carbon-negative energy source. Government proceeds funded salaries, healthcare, infrastructure, and reduced brain drain. These are working, nation-state, ESG positive strategies for energy optimisation and fiscal benefit. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗞 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 The energy transition isn’t just about clean power, it’s about untapped economic value. Clients in ESG and renewables are increasingly asking: “What role could Bitcoin play here?” You don’t need to recommend Bitcoin, but you do need to understand it and discuss its ESG positive capabilities. -------------------------------------------------------- Ready to learn more? The Bitcoin IFA's CPD-certified webinars cover how Bitcoin is interacting with real-world ESG solutions: Practical insights, no hype, no jargon Built specifically for UK financial advisers Self-paced, on-demand learning 90-minutes structured CPD If you want to understand how Bitcoin could practically support clean energy strategies (and client portfolios), this is your guide. Use code “etn” at checkout to get 10% off — available for a limited time. 🔗 Link in comments with discount pre-applied 👇 #Bitcoin #ESG #FinancialAdvice #AdvisorGrowth #CPD #BitcoinEducation 🎯 Educational and informative post for UK FCA-regulated financial advisers only – not for retail clients. h/t to Bitcoin Policy UK, Susie Violet Ward and Daniel Batten for the inspiration and some of the info in this post.

Wind farms were paid not to generate c.40% of their potential electricity Why does this matter for UK advisers? 👇 This displaced energy ends up increasing consumer bills and wasting renewable capacity. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼? Bitcoin mining offers a 24/7 “buyer of last resort” for surplus clean energy: 🔋 France is proposing a 5-year pilot to redirect excess nuclear power into Bitcoin mining, potentially harvesting $100–150 million in annual revenue, while easing grid strain. 🌊 Bhutan is mining Bitcoin using hydropower, a carbon-negative energy source. Government proceeds funded salaries, healthcare, infrastructure, and reduced brain drain. These are working, nation-state, ESG positive strategies for energy optimisation and fiscal benefit. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗞 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 The energy transition isn’t just about clean power, it’s about untapped economic value. Clients in ESG and renewables are increasingly asking: “What role could Bitcoin play here?” You don’t need to recommend Bitcoin, but you do need to understand it and discuss its ESG positive capabilities. -------------------------------------------------------- Ready to learn more? The Bitcoin IFA's CPD-certified webinars cover how Bitcoin is interacting with real-world ESG solutions: Practical insights, no hype, no jargon Built specifically for UK financial advisers Self-paced, on-demand learning 90-minutes structured CPD If you want to understand how Bitcoin could practically support clean energy strategies (and client portfolios), this is your guide. Use code “etn” at checkout to get 10% off — available for a limited time. 🔗 Link in comments with discount pre-applied 👇 #Bitcoin #ESG #FinancialAdvice #AdvisorGrowth #CPD #BitcoinEducation 🎯 Educational and informative post for UK FCA-regulated financial advisers only – not for retail clients. h/t to Bitcoin Policy UK, Susie Violet Ward and Daniel Batten for the inspiration and some of the info in this post.

Sustainable bitcoin mining. Huh? "STaX Capital Partners applied for a permit to install turbines fueled by methane from oil wells on Alaska’s North Slope. The temporary facilities would serve as a proof of concept for a much larger gas-fired power plant — with an output equal to that of the state’s largest coal-fired plant — all of whose electricity would go to a planned bitcoin-mining data center located nearby. The Alaska-based company told Northern Journal it hopes to “create the playbook for sustainable, at-scale Bitcoin mining in Alaska.” https://lnkd.in/eN36G4hx

The solar market is strange. Costs keep falling, but growth keeps stalling. The more solar is produced, the less it's worth. And yet, we need 20x more capacity by 2050 to hit net-zero. One part of the issue is structure. Energy markets aren't really "markets"—they're fragmented, subsidy-dependent systems with high barriers to entry. Most investment flows through a few big players. The idea of decentralized solar infrastructure is compelling—but it's usually framed as peer-to-peer trading. What if instead, the focus was on building the infrastructure itself? That's the promise behind Energy DePIN. By using blockchain incentives, these protocols aim to directly fund, verify, and expand solar production—starting from the ground up. Glow is a case in point. Solar farms give 100% of their electricity revenue to the protocol. In return, they earn token rewards based on their revenue and carbon credits, which are certified by independent verifiers. Glow reuses that revenue to fund new farms. One farm in Rajasthan contributed $1.58M and received ~$3M in token rewards. It’s not just a system for trading energy—it’s a mechanism for compounding infrastructure. It works if the incentives are aligned and the data is verified. Still early, but worth watching. Original article by Louise Borreani and Pat Rawson of Ecofrontiers here: https://lnkd.in/et7VVzw9

Just returned from the 2025 Infocast Texas Clean Energy Conference. As you’d expect, the conversations centered on data centers, Bitcoin as flexible load, AI, the future of the grid, Texas SB6, and more. I was honored to share the stage with four leading bitcoin mining and behind-the-meter development firms. When I first joined this conference 3–4 years ago, Bitcoin was a mystery to most, and the idea of pairing renewables with flexible computing was just a spark. This year felt different... We announced over 1 GW in operations, construction, and development. The panel I joined represented well over 8 GW in the pipeline—including our 2.8 GW long-term pipeline. We weren’t debating if renewables and compute would converge. We were agreeing it’s inevitable. Key takeaways: - #Bitcoin mining is now the dominant flexible load in ERCOT—appliances won’t cut it. - SB6 is maturing grid processes, filtering noise, and focusing on real players. - Grid operators are risk managers. They’ll need to rethink legacy processes for the future. - BBB is dismantling some renewable platforms. - AI will shape its own future in Texas by solving the grid challenges it creates. - Data centers are reshaping the very fabric of industrial America and beyond. - Soluna has been on the right track for a long time. $SLNH Soluna Spring Lane Capital Bitcoin Policy Institute Bitcoin Magazine