A new peer-reviewed scientific paper, titled An integrated landfill gas-to-energy and Bitcoin mining framework, appearing in the Aug. 29 edition of the Journal of Cleaner Production, demonstrated how Bitcoin mining could reduce methane emissions.
The research paper detailed how Bitcoin miners are uniquely positioned to leverage “Landfill Gas to Energy” (LFGTE) systems that capture and convert methane gas from garbage landfills into usable energy — sequestering the greenhouse gas and reducing its harmful effects on the atmosphere.
A breakdown of the energy chain resulting from LFGTE. Source: Science Direct
Bitcoin mining features the proper incentive structure for such a capital-intensive, long-term commitment project, which other private enterprises lack due to the absence of sustainable revenue generation and cost recovery strategies, the authors of the paper argued. According to the researchers:
“Bitcoin’s economic incentives, available globally for miners in any location, may offer an innovative solution for encouraging methane mitigation without the need for government incentives—presenting a scalable and novel solution for rapid deployment.”
Additionally, the researchers noted that this incentive structure isn’t limited to methane emissions, but could also be used to recycle underutilized energy in the form of “Orphaned oil, gas wells, wastewater treatment plants, farms, and agricultural processing operations.”
Marathon Digital capitalizes on LFGTE systems
In 2023, MARA, formerly known as Marathon Digital, teamed up with Nodal Power to mine Bitcoin using methane gas in Utah. At the time the 280-kilowatt initiative was first announced, MARA Chairman and CEO Fred Thiel had this to say:
“At Marathon, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to diversify our operations, lower our energy costs, and leverage the unique aspects of Bitcoin mining to better the environments in which we operate.”
In May 2024, the company furthered this mission statement by signing a deal with the Kenyan government to develop renewable energy infrastructure inside the country.
Findings corroborated by other research papers
The recent research paper appearing in the Journal of Cleaner Production wasn’t the first to touch on the theme of Bitcoin miners reducing emissions by repurposing underused energy sources.
In 2023, a research study published by the Institute of Risk Management found that Bitcoin mining operations could reduce global emissions by around 8% by 2030.
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