Key Takeaways
- A new Cambridge study shows over half of Bitcoin mining is now powered by renewable or low-carbon energy.
- North America leads in clean mining, accounting for more than 70% of all sustainable Bitcoin operations.
- Elon Musk’s 2021 promise to re-enable Bitcoin payments at Tesla could face renewed interest.
Bitcoin mining is increasingly powered by clean energy, with a new study showing that more than half of the network now runs on sustainable sources.
However, whether that’s enough to win over critics or prompt Elon Musk to revisit his high-profile payment ban is still up in the air.
Bitcoin Mining Passes Green Milestone
The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) reports that by Q1 2025, 52.4% of Bitcoin mining will be powered by renewable or low-carbon energy.
This includes 42.6% from renewable sources like hydro and wind and 9.8% from nuclear power, a sharp rise from just 37.6% in 2022.
The U.S. is at the center of the shift. Together with Canada, North America accounts for more than 80% of all sustainable Bitcoin mining, according to the study.
These findings follow earlier claims from groups like the Bitcoin Mining Council, which pegged the renewable share even higher, around 60%.
However, those numbers haven’t been independently confirmed on this scale.
Musk’s Bitcoin U-Turn Still on Hold
The sustainability debate around Bitcoin mining isn’t new.
In 2021, Tesla briefly accepted Bitcoin payments, but Elon Musk scrapped the option days later over environmental concerns.
He later said he’d reconsider if Bitcoin mining became at least 50% renewable.
Despite reports suggesting the threshold had been met over the years, Tesla never re-enabled Bitcoin payments, though it quietly accepted Dogecoin for merchandise.
Meanwhile, Tesla and SpaceX have continued holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets.
Whether the new Cambridge data will move the needle is anyone’s guess.
Musk’s crypto decisions have often seemed more symbolic than strategic.
Still, the timing is notable: pro-Bitcoin rhetoric is heating up in the U.S., and with President Donald Trump pushing a national Bitcoin reserve, the idea of corporate adoption may re-enter the conversation.
Prashant Jha is a seasoned crypto journalist based in Delhi, India, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering. Passionate about the evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, he has been a dedicated voice in the industry since 2018. Prashant’s expertise lies in regulatory reporting, where he unravels complex legal and financial developments with clarity and precision. Before joining CCN in 2024, he honed his craft at Cointelegraph, establishing himself as a trusted name in crypto journalism.
His coverage spans major industry events, including the high-profile collapses of FTX, Three Arrows Capital (3AC), and LUNA, offering readers insightful analyses of their regulatory and market implications. Prashant’s technical background enables him to bridge the gap between intricate blockchain technology and its real-world applications, making his work accessible to novices and experts.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Prashant is an avid music enthusiast, often exploring diverse genres to unwind. A sports lover, he has a particular passion for cricket and frequently engages in discussions about the game. His multifaceted interests and sharp journalistic instincts make him a valuable contributor to CCN, where he continues shaping the crypto landscape's narrative.
