New Cambridge Report: Bitcoin Mining Is Not a Climate Threat

Bitcoin mining has long faced criticism, especially in Sweden, where agencies like the Naturvårdsverket argue that Proof of Stake is a more sustainable alternative to Bitcoin’s energy-intensive Proof of Work. But a new report from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance paints a very different picture.

Over Half of Bitcoin’s Energy Is Now Emission-Free

For the first time, Cambridge reports that a majority (52.4%) of the energy powering the Bitcoin network now comes from zero-emission sources, a dramatic improvement from previous assessments. This shift is largely driven by competition among miners, who are constantly seeking the cheapest and most sustainable energy to remain profitable.

This is happening organically, without government intervention, effectively turning Bitcoin mining into a global catalyst for green energy investment.

Emissions Far Lower Than Previously Believed

The report also finds that Bitcoin’s emission intensity has dropped to 288.2 grams of CO₂e per kWh, making it less carbon-intensive than most major global industries. The total network emissions are now estimated at 39.8 million tonnes of CO₂e per year, almost half of what was previously believed.

Even more striking is the fact that total emissions have remained stable over the last four years, despite the network’s growth. This is due to more efficient hardware, a cleaner energy mix, and an increase in mining operations using climate-positive sources like flare gas that reduce methane emissions.

A Grid Asset, Not a Burden

The Cambridge report also highlights Bitcoin mining’s ability to stabilize power grids, especially in areas rich in renewable energy. Mining facilities can quickly adjust their energy use, helping to absorb surplus electricity from wind or hydro when demand is low. This makes Bitcoin a potential asset in the smart grids of the future - even in Sweden.

Energy Use Is a Feature, Not a Flaw

It’s crucial to understand that Bitcoin’s energy use is not a bug, it’s a foundational feature. The high cost of securing the network makes it extremely resistant to attack and provides unparalleled security. Rather than relying on trust or central authority, Bitcoin builds credibility through transparency, mathematics, and energy.

And as that energy is increasingly renewable, low-emission, or even climate-positive, much of the environmental criticism begins to fall apart. In fact, Bitcoin’s very design may be pushing the energy market forward, not holding it back.

Time to Rethink the Swedish Debate

This new Cambridge report is a wake-up call for policymakers, agencies, and media to update their understanding of Bitcoin. Sweden already has one of the cleanest energy mixes in the world, why not embrace a technology that actively seeks out the greenest electricity on Earth?

Bitcoin is not a climate threat. It’s a technological engine for green energy, security, and financial freedom.

Read the full study here: Cambridge Digital Mining Industry Report.