Bitcoin Mining's Soaring US Electricity Use Hinders Decarbonization
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Bitcoin mining now consumes over 2% of US electricity, adding demand equivalent to a new state in just 3 years
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Most mining relocated to US recently due to crackdowns elsewhere; US share of global mining surged from 3% to 38%
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Main clusters are in Texas and Appalachian region, moving near cheap power sources
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Miners revive struggling power plants but often prolong fossil fuel dependence
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Government now monitoring monthly to understand full impact on electric grid decarbonization efforts