9 Bitcoin Energy Myths Finally Debunked by Data

Jakarta, Pintu News – The debate on crypto’s environmental impact has been reignited as Bitcoin (BTC) adoption increases globally. Criticism of Bitcoin’s energy consumption often comes from mainstream media and large institutions, which consider the cryptocurrency environmentally unfriendly. However, ESG researcher Daniel Batten challenges this narrative with academic data and energy grid research. According to him, nine popular criticisms of Bitcoin mining do not align with the latest scientific evidence.

1. Myth: Bitcoin wastes energy per transaction

One of the most common claims is that Bitcoin is very energy-intensive per transaction. Daniel Batten asserts that this assumption is false because Bitcoin’s energy consumption does not depend on the number of transactions. Peer-reviewed research shows the Bitcoin network can scale transactions without increasing energy consumption.

The Cambridge Digital Mining Industry Report 2025 asserts that energy is used to secure the network, not process individual transactions. This distinguishes Bitcoin from traditional payment systems. In the crypto context, efficiency should be measured at the network level, not transactions.

2. Myth: Bitcoin Undermines Power Grid Stability

Other critics say Bitcoin mining destabilizes the power grid. Batten argues the opposite, that mining helps balance the electricity load. Bitcoin miners are flexible and can shut down machines when electricity demand is high.

In high-renewable energy regions like Texas, Bitcoin mining is proven to support grid stability. This flexibility is hard to find in conventional industries. In the cryptocurrency ecosystem, Bitcoin becomes an energy load management tool.

3. Myth: Bitcoin Raises Consumers’ Electricity Rates

Some have accused Bitcoin mining of driving up household electricity rates. However, Batten says there is no data evidence or academic research to support this claim. In fact, some studies have found that the presence of miners actually lowers electricity costs.

This happens because miners absorb excess energy supply. In the energy market, excess supply without demand increases inefficiency. Crypto mining fills that gap economically.

Read also: Vitalik Buterin: “Ethereum Managed to Overcome the Blockchain Trilemma!”

4. Myth: Comparison with Countries’ Energy Consumption

The media often compares Bitcoin’s energy consumption to countries like Thailand or Poland. Batten thinks this approach is misleading as the focus should be on energy sources, not volumes. The IPCC also emphasizes energy transition, not just consumption reduction.

As a global computing network, Bitcoin naturally consumes a lot of energy. However, the source of the energy used is a major factor in environmental impact. In the crypto context, the quality of energy is more important than the quantity.

5. Myth: Bitcoin’s Carbon Footprint is Very High

Bitcoin is often accused of having a large carbon footprint. Batten emphasized that Bitcoin mining does not produce direct emissions. The only emissions come from electricity, or scope-2 emissions.

Moreover, Bitcoin has now surpassed 50% sustainable energy use. This makes it the only global industry with transparent third-party data on clean energy. Other cryptocurrency industries have yet to achieve similar levels of transparency.

Also read: Bitcoin (BTC) Breaks 4-Year Cycle for the First Time in 14 Years!

6. Myth: Proof-of-Stake is More Environmentally Friendly

Many claim Ethereum (ETH) is more environmentally friendly because it uses proof-of-stake. Batten thinks this claim simplifies the issue by equating energy and impact. Low energy does not necessarily mean low impact.

Proof-of-work like Bitcoin has unique benefits, including methane mitigation and utilization of wasted energy. Bitcoin mining also helps increase renewable energy capacity. This adds environmental value that is often overlooked.

7. Myth: Bitcoin is Hindering Renewable Energy

There is an assumption that Bitcoin mining takes renewable energy away from society. Batten said the data shows otherwise. Projects like Gridless in Africa bring renewable electricity to around 28,000 people.

Bitcoin mining creates an economic incentive to build energy infrastructure in remote areas. Without demand from miners, the project is not financially viable. Crypto acts as a catalyst for energy access.

Also read: Ripple’s Long-Term Predictions: XRP Projected to Break $24 by Analysts

8. Myth: Bitcoin Wastes Energy

The claim that Bitcoin “wastes energy” is also refuted by academic research. Studies by Moghimi and Lai and You show mining increases solar and wind energy utilization by over 90%. Mining significantly reduces renewable energy curtailment.

Unused energy is still wasted. Bitcoin turns unused energy into economic value. In the cryptocurrency system, this improves global energy efficiency.

9. Myth: Environmental Impacts Cannot Be Measured

Some researchers say Bitcoin’s environmental impact is difficult to measure. Batten believes that Bitcoin has the most transparent data compared to other industries. The intensity of mining emissions continues to decrease measurably.

This transparency makes Bitcoin unique in the crypto sector. Criticism without data is considered more opinion than scientific analysis. Data-driven cryptocurrencies open up a more objective space for discussion.

To conclude, the Bitcoin energy debate demonstrates the importance of a data-driven approach. The old narrative of crypto’s environmental impact is increasingly difficult to sustain. With academic research and data grids, Bitcoin is emerging as a more adaptive technology than it has been portrayed. In the global cryptocurrency discourse, facts are starting to replace assumptions.

That’s the latest information about crypto. Follow us on Google News to get the latest crypto news about crypto projects and blockchain technology. Also, learn crypto from scratch with complete discussion through Pintu Academy and stay up-to-date with the latest crypto market such as bitcoin price today, xrp coin price today, dogecoin and other crypto asset prices through Pintu Market.

Enjoy an easy and secure crypto trading experience by downloading Pintu crypto app via Google Play Store or App Store now. Also, get a web trading experience with various advanced trading tools such as pro charting, various types of order types, and portfolio tracker only at Pintu Pro.

*Disclaimer

This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Note that an asset’s past performance does not determine its projected future performance. Crypto trading activities have high risk and volatility, always do your own research and use cold cash before investing. All activities of buying and selling bitcoin and other crypto asset investments are the responsibility of the reader.

Reference:

• Cointelegraph. Nine myths about Bitcoin energy use challenged by data, ESG expert says. Accessed January 11, 2026.
• Featured Image: Generated by AI