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- Bitcoin consumes 143 TWh annually, more than Sweden and Argentina combined.
- Each transaction emits ~712 kg CO2 and produces 150 grams of e-waste.
- Energy use per transaction far exceeds Ethereum and traditional payment networks.
Bitcoin is no longer just a digital currency; it has become a global energy phenomenon. As the network expands, mining activity demands increasing amounts of electricity, sparking debates about sustainability and environmental impact. Understanding Bitcoin energy consumption is key to evaluating the ecological costs of cryptocurrencies and exploring paths toward greener blockchain solutions.
Global Energy Use: Bitcoin vs Countries
Bitcoin’s energy consumption has surged dramatically over the years. In 2017, the network used around 10.19 TWh annually, but by December 2021, it had climbed to 204.50 TWh. As of late 2025, monthly peaks reached 194.83 TWh, representing roughly 0.13% of global electricity.
Country-level data reveal concentrated consumption. The United States leads daily mining electricity use at 145.6 GWh, followed by China (81.25 GWh) and Kazakhstan (50.88 GWh). Smaller nations such as Norway and Hong Kong account for just a fraction of this energy, showing that Bitcoin’s environmental footprint is heavily regionalized. Comparisons with national grids are striking: Bitcoin consumes more electricity annually than Sweden (130 TWh) and Argentina (128 TWh), though it remains below Thailand’s 200 TWh.
Bitcoin vs Tech Giants: A Digital Power Comparison
The energy appetite of Bitcoin dwarfs that of major technology companies. Google consumes approximately 12 TWh per year, and Facebook just 5 TWh, making Bitcoin’s 143 TWh footprint stark in contrast. On a per-transaction basis, the disparity is even greater: each Bitcoin transaction requires 1,135 kWh, over 13 times more than Ethereum (PoW).
This level of consumption highlights the inefficiency of proof-of-work mining and underscores the environmental trade-offs of decentralized networks. For context, an individual Bitcoin miner uses 4.6 kWh per hour, nearly as much as a clothes dryer, compared with laptops or gaming PCs, which consume a fraction of that energy.
Carbon Emissions and Electronic Waste
Bitcoin’s energy consumption comes with a hefty carbon cost. Each transaction produces approximately 712 kg of CO2, with the network emitting nearly 98 million metric tons annually—comparable to the emissions of countries like New Zealand or Morocco.
Also Read: Binance Makes Bold $1B Bitcoin Move — Here’s What It Means for Crypto Users
Electronic waste adds another layer of concern. Bitcoin mining hardware generated 80 kilotons of e-waste at its peak in 2024, though recent improvements have reduced this to around 22 kilotons by September 2025. Even a single Bitcoin transaction produces 150 grams of e-waste, nearly four times higher than 10,000 Visa transactions, showing the resource intensity of crypto operations.
By 2025, Bitcoin has solidified its position as one of the most energy-intensive digital systems on the planet. Its electricity use rivals medium-sized countries, its per-transaction footprint far exceeds traditional payment networks, and its carbon emissions pose genuine environmental challenges. While efficiency improvements are emerging, sustainable innovation is crucial if cryptocurrencies are to coexist with global climate goals.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
