Gadget Review
Summary
Estimates suggest Bitcoin mining consumes between 91 and 176 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year. That’s nearly 0.5% of global electricity usage, roughly on par with entire countries like Norway or Poland. Unsurprisingly, these figures have drawn heavy criticism from environmental groups.
But there is a lesser-known side effect of all that energy use: heat. Bitcoin mining generates substantial warmth, which until recently was simply wasted. If that byproduct could be captured and reused, it might serve as an alternative heat source—one that could help supplement traditional heating systems during the winter months.
In Marathon’s case, the process involved an air-to-water heat exchanger that captured warmth released by mining servers and used it to heat water to around 25–35°C. That water was then piped to a district heating center, where its temperature was raised to approximately 80°C. From there, the heat was distributed through underground pipelines to nearby homes. In effect, the servers performed double duty: mining Bitcoin and heating communities.
This project is just one example of how mining operations could use innovation to offset part of their environmental impact. If more companies adopted similar systems, the benefits could extend beyond lower emissions—creating new revenue streams for miners and more affordable heating options for households worldwide.
Continue Reading
#News#DataCenter#DistrictHeating