Bitcoin mining has been under global criticism for years due to its allegedly environmental expenses. Dramatic headlines purport that mining is destroying the world, squandering energy, or consuming fossil fuels. Is that necessarily the case, though?
At OurMiningClub, we believe that transparency, facts, and doing one’s research are the solution. Here, we unravel the true story of Bitcoin’s energy consumption — what is fact, what is misguided, and how mining can actually fuel innovation in renewable energy.
Why Bitcoin Mining Draws Electricity
It requires an understanding of why mining does consume electricity to understand the environmental controversy.
Bitcoin is protected by a method called proof-of-work, which makes it so that miners have to solve complex mathematics problems. This behavior makes it impossible to fraud, enables the network to be in agreement, and guarantees that Bitcoin is always operating 24/7. The power needed for this computer eats up energy — the same as with any high-performance data center or industrial process.
The more secure and decentralized the network is, the more energy it takes to make it secure.
How Much Power Does Bitcoin Actually Consume?
Estimates vary, but in 2025, the Bitcoin network consumes about 100 to 150 terawatt-hours of power annually — roughly the same as the energy usage of a small country. That number might sound staggering at first glance, but consider the following.
- Traditional banking systems and gold mining consume more power.
- Over 50% of energy used for Bitcoin mining is now drawn from renewable or wasted energy sources, i.e., hydro, solar, wind, or natural gas flaring.
- Bitcoin mining is geography-independent and therefore can operate wherever there is excess or idle energy that is most economical.
The Shift Towards Green Mining
The mining community of Bitcoin has also responded to such criticism by shifting increasingly towards renewable energy. In fact, some of the largest mining farms globally now run on hydroelectric, wind, geothermal, or solar power.
At OurMiningClub, we in fact choose mining locations that are close to affordable, clean, and stable power. This not only makes our customers reduce their costs but also their carbon footprint.
Furthermore, some miners are also teaming up with energy companies to balance the power grid, absorb excess supply, or profit from wasted energy from oil and gas operations.
The Broader Picture: Bitcoin as an Energy Driver
Bitcoin mining is commonly framed as a strain on the grid — but in fact, it can be an energy driver in many ways:
- Miners have an incentive to use the cheapest energy, which is often renewable or stranded.
- Bitcoin can support the construction of renewable power infrastructure by offering a stable source of demand.
- Demand can be reduced when demand is highest, helping utilities with load balancing and reducing blackouts.
Bitcoin does not necessarily need to be incompatible with sustainability. In many ways, it might actually support the move to a cleaner energy future.
How OurMiningClub Encourages Responsible Mining
At OurMiningClub, we take energy usage seriously. Our hosted mining offerings are built on three pillars of sustainability:
- Efficiency – We only use the most energy-efficient ASIC hardware in commercial data centers.
- Low-Impact Energy – We host in facilities that use excess or renewable power.
- Remote Optimization – We remotely monitor uptime and cooling to prevent wasteful energy use.
This enables our customers to mine Bitcoin with certainty — knowing that their mining is profitable and environmentally friendly.
Final Thoughts: The Reality is More Complicated
Is Bitcoin mining green? Yes, the answer is: it can be — and increasingly, it is.
Yes, Bitcoin does use energy. But that energy usage is intentional, measurable, and in much of the case, transitioning to cleaner sources earlier than many older industries.
While the world increasingly requires safer, more transparent, and decentralized systems, Bitcoin is paving the way — and so is responsible mining.
If you’re set on mining BTC wiser, greener, and more scalable, OurMiningClub is here to guide you through it all.