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Bitcoin’s energy challenge: How to balance innovation and sustainability

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Over the past decade, Bitcoin grew from a mere niche interest among tech enthusiasts to a mainstream financial asset. We have seen evolving regulatory clarity across countries and giant organisations adopting and investing in Bitcoin. However, one concerning thing is the energy consumption associated with Bitcoin mining, which has been debated.

Understanding and addressing Bitcoin’s environmental impact is essential for its long-term viability and the broader acceptance of blockchain technology.

Bitcoin mining is energy-intensive

Bitcoin takes the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus approach, which requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. This process is computationally intensive and, consequently, energy intensive.

According to the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index, Bitcoin mining consumes more electricity than the entire power grid of countries such as Argentina and the Netherlands.

The environmental concern primarily stems from the carbon footprint associated with this energy consumption. In many regions, especially where electricity is cheap and accessible, the energy used for Bitcoin mining comes from fossil fuels, particularly coal. This reliance on non-renewable energy sources exacerbates the environmental impact, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

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Mining operation and geographic distribution

The environmental impact of Bitcoin mining varies by region, depending largely on the local energy mix. For instance, in China, which was a major hub for Bitcoin mining until the government crackdown in 2021, a significant portion of electricity comes from coal. In contrast, regions like Iceland and certain areas of Canada benefit from abundant renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric and geothermal power. Miners in these regions can mitigate some of Bitcoin’s environmental impact, although they are currently in the minority.

The migration of miners following regulatory changes in China has highlighted the importance of geographic distribution. As miners relocate to countries with different energy infrastructures, there is an opportunity to shift the balance towards more sustainable practices. However, this transition is not without its challenges, including the economic and logistical barriers to setting up mining operations in regions with renewable energy.

Technological innovations and energy efficiency

Addressing Bitcoin’s environmental impact requires not just a shift in geography but also significant technological innovation. Here are some of the approaches to reduce the energy consumption of Bitcoin mining:

  • Transition to renewable energy: Encouraging miners to use renewable energy sources is a critical step. This could be achieved through incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, or carbon credits for mining operations powered by renewable energy.
  • Improvements in mining hardware: The development of more energy-efficient mining hardware is another avenue. Advances in semiconductor technology and the design of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) have already improved energy efficiency in recent years. Continued innovation in this area could further reduce the energy footprint of mining operations.
  • Alternative consensus mechanisms: While Bitcoin’s PoW mechanism is deeply ingrained in its protocol, other cryptocurrencies are exploring less energy-intensive consensus mechanisms. Proof-of-stake (PoS), for example, significantly reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for extensive computational work. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, is in the process of transitioning from PoW to PoS, a move that could influence Bitcoin’s future development.
  • Hybrid models: Some researchers are exploring hybrid models that combine elements of PoW and PoS, aiming to balance security and energy efficiency. These models are still in the experimental stage but hold promise for creating more sustainable blockchain networks.

Regulatory and community initiatives

Governments and regulatory bodies play a crucial role in shaping the sustainability of Bitcoin mining. Regulations can incentivise the use of renewable energy and enforce environmental standards for mining operations. For example, some countries are considering carbon taxes on mining activities that rely heavily on fossil fuels.

In addition to regulatory efforts, the cryptocurrency community itself is increasingly aware of the need for sustainable practices. Initiatives like the Crypto Climate Accord, inspired by the Paris Climate Agreement, aim to make the entire crypto industry, including Bitcoin, net zero by 2030. These voluntary initiatives demonstrate a growing recognition within the community that environmental sustainability is essential for the long-term success and acceptance of cryptocurrencies.

Conclusion

The journey towards a more sustainable Bitcoin is complex and multifaceted. It requires collaboration between miners, technology developers, policymakers, and the broader community. However, the potential for positive change is significant. By embracing renewable energy, advancing technological innovations, and fostering a regulatory environment that encourages sustainable practices, Bitcoin can reduce its environmental footprint. Moreover, these efforts can set a precedent for other cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications, leading the way towards a greener digital future.

While Bitcoin’s environmental impact presents a formidable challenge, it also offers an opportunity to drive innovation and promote sustainability in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets. The road ahead is not easy, but with concerted effort and commitment, a more sustainable cryptocurrency ecosystem is within reach.

(Edul Patel is the CEO and Co-founder of Mudrex, a global crypto investment platform.)

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)





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Juspay cuts losses by 7.7% as revenue surges 49.6% in FY24

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Payments startup Juspay Technologies saw its losses narrowing in FY24 as revenue growth outpaced expenditure. It narrowed its total loss for the period to Rs 97.54 crore, down 7.76% from Rs 105.75 crore in FY23.

According to the consolidated financial statements accessed from the Registrar of Companies, the SoftBank-backed fintech firm’s revenue from operations surged 49.64% to Rs 319.32 crore, up from Rs 213.39 crore in FY23.

Juspay’s primary revenue source—payment platform integration fees—brought in Rs 286.52 crore. Additional operating revenue from services like product implementation and support added Rs 32.80 crore.

Total expenses rose by 29.52% to Rs 443.74 crore in FY24, compared to Rs 342.59 crore in the previous year. This increase was largely driven by employee benefit expenses, which saw a 41.73% jump to Rs 303.36 crore, while other expenses increased slightly over 3.56% to Rs 123.76 crore.

Juspay, founded in 2012 by Vimal Kumar and Ramanathan RV in Bengaluru, specialises in developing payment orchestration solutions that act as a technology layer over traditional payment gateways.

The Accel-backed startup has also developed Namma Yatri, a mobility app focusing on ride-hailing services, leveraging Juspay’s strengths in payments and open-source protocols. Namma Yatri is built on the Beckn Protocol and aligns with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), aiming to provide low-cost ride-hailing options and open access to digital mobility services.

Recently, Juspay decided to spin off Namma Yatri as an independent entity to attract separate investors and scale further. In February, the company said it acquired LotusPay in an all-cash deal to strengthen its offerings to the BFSI segment and merchants.

LotusPay, founded in 2016, pioneered NACH Debit technology with cloud-based software for merchants and banks. Using NPCI’s NACH Debit, it facilitates recurring payments for loans, insurance, and subscriptions.





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Flipkart selects five startups for third cohort of Flipkart Leap Innovation Network

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Flipkart has selected five innovative startups for the third cohort of its flagship startup accelerator programme, Flipkart Leap Innovation Network (FLIN).

The cohort is introducing startups that are driving advancements across GenAI, omnichannel, analytics, and video commerce, the company said in a statement.

The selected startups— Intelligence Node, Invenzo Labs, StoryBrain, Phyllo, and D-ID— are set to run pilot programs with Flipkart to develop solutions.

“The selected startups get access to mentorship, resources, and the opportunity to execute pilot projects within the Flipkart ecosystem, scaling their solutions to meet the demands of India’s digital economy and e-commerce growth,” the company said.

Since its launch in 2022, the accelerator programme aims to accelerate the growth of the startup ecosystem in India, driving collaboration, and championing cutting-edge retail innovations. 

“Through the FLIN programme, Flipkart continues to expand its role as a catalyst for innovation within India’s startup ecosystem, providing a collaborative platform for startups to test, refine, and deploy solutions that can shape the future of e-commerce in India,” said Naren Ravula, Vice President and Head – Product Strategy and Flipkart Labs.

The programme is designed to engage with startups through commercial partnerships in Flipkart’s areas of interest. Successful startups get the opportunity to scale up to a business partnership.

Over 20 startups from the initial two cohorts have concluded pilots working closely with the Flipkart Product and Engineering teams.

The company added that four startups from the previous cohort— Anagog, Speedsize, Sangti, and Vtion— have recently concluded successful pilot projects with Flipkart.





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Thesys secures $4M funding led by Together Fund

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AI startup Thesys bags $4 million funding in a round led by Together Fund. The round also saw participation from 8VC, the company said in a statement.

The startup will use the funding to bridge the gap of user experience with AI agents. As a visual collaboration tool, the company will also provide a platform that will enable businesses to ideate, visualise, and ship intelligent experiences at scale.

“The way we engage with technology is changing faster than ever. Static interfaces simply don’t meet the demands of today’s AI-capabilities…At Thesys, we’re building tools that make it possible for businesses to adapt and thrive in this new era,” said Parikshit Deshmukh, Co-founder, Thesys. 

This evolution is about unlocking the full potential of AI-driven interactions and delivering unparalleled user experiences, he added.

“The future of AI relies as much on intuitive, adaptive interfaces as it does on backend capabilities. Thesys’ vision for Generative UI aligns perfectly with Together Fund’s commitment to enabling founders who are redefining the user experience,” said Manav Garg, Co-founder and managing partner of Together Fund.

“By empowering teams to create real-time, personalized interactions, Thesys is setting a new standard for AI-driven interfaces. We’re excited to support their journey in transforming the role of design and development tools for the next generation of AI applications,” he added.

The company, founded by Rabi Shanker Guha and Parikshit Deshmukh this year, emerged from the understanding of the need to provide support in the shift towards AI-driven interfaces, it said.

“Thesys envisions a future where all interfaces dynamically adjust to each user’s behavior, preferences, and needs—driven by what the company calls “Generative UI”. Unlike traditional static interfaces that rely on predefined paths, Generative UI uses AI to create unique, adaptive user interfaces on-the-fly, allowing businesses to provide truly personalized digital experiences,” the company added.

The company plans to launch a UI SDK that is set to enable developers to seamlessly integrate Generative UI into their applications. Additionally, post its closed beta launch, the company plans a general availability (GA) with its product within the next quarter positioning itself as the go-to product toolkit for businesses looking to stay ahead in the AI revolution.

“Thesys is pioneering a transformative shift in UI design workflows by integrating AI-driven adaptability… Their Generative UI approach aligns with our commitment to investing in technologies that drive innovation in user experiences,” said Bhaskar Ghosh, partner at 8VC.





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