{"id":365872,"date":"2018-12-18T17:01:42","date_gmt":"2018-12-18T17:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ktsl888.com\/?p=365872"},"modified":"2019-03-11T20:40:11","modified_gmt":"2019-03-11T20:40:11","slug":"bitcoin-solar-energy-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ktsl888.com\/news\/bitcoin-solar-energy-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Electricity Consumption of Bitcoin is a Non-Issue: Solar Energy is Free in Some Regions"},"content":{"rendered":"
Bitcoin and its trustless, decentralized design requires a unique process called mining that validates each transaction being added to its underlying blockchain. The process involves solving complex mathematical equations, and typically requires some serious computer processing power, and even specially-designed hardware, to validate each block.<\/span><\/p>\n Due to the amount of energy consumed during this process, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are often demonized for contributing to global carbon emissions, potentially harming the environment. However, an overabundance of solar energy in some parts of the world may make Bitcoin\u2019s electricity consumption a non-issue in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n As concerns around global climate change grow, the original cryptocurrency is increasingly becoming a topic of much negativity \u2013 not just for its recent price movements, but also for its contributions to global carbon emissions. The leading cryptocurrency by market cap\u2019s notorious energy consumption has been referred to by pundits as its \u201cAchilles heel,\u201d suggesting its Bitcoin\u2019s biggest weakness.<\/span><\/p>\n However, these claims may be over-dramatized by naysayers and media alike, as solar energy from the sun can easily, cheaply, and effectively be harnessed to power Bitcoin mining.<\/span><\/p>\n Related Reading | Bitcoin Has Triggered an Energy Arms Race<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Take Chile, for example. Chile has among the highest solar irradiance in the entire world, boasts Latin America\u2019s largest solar power plant, and in general enjoys an abundance of solar power. Chile\u2019s proximity to the equator, climate and weather conditions make the country a prime location for generating solar energy.<\/span><\/p>\n Chile is planning on harnessing as much as 19% of the country\u2019s electricity using solar means by the year 2050, according to the roadmap set forth by the country\u2019s Ministry of Energy. Chile is already over-producing so much solar power, it has been giving it away for free since 2016<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n University of Pittsburgh research associate Katrina Kelly-Pitou, whose work includes the study of clean energy technologies like solar energy says that in time, the energy consumption of new technologies eventually become more efficient, as will Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI am a researcher who studies clean energy technology, specifically the transition toward decarbonized energy systems. I think that the conversation around bitcoin and energy has been oversimplified,\u201d explained<\/a> Kelly-Pitou.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n She also explains that not all cryptocurrency mining setups should be treated as equal, suggesting that fossil-based electricity sources as found currently in China would contribute much more carbon emissions than hydro-powered mining farms such as those found in the Pacific Northwest<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\nFree Solar Energy Could Make Bitcoin Carbon Footprint Negligible <\/span><\/h2>\n
Researchers Agree: Bitcoin\u2019s Energy Woes Are Overblown<\/span><\/h2>\n
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