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Could surplus renewable energy drive improved healthcare, educcation, and community development outcomes?

As renewable capacity expands globally, many nations face an emerging challenge: how to manage surplus energy production.


In a new article, BwB explores an unconventional but highly promising solution – using surplus renewable energy for bitcoin mining.


The opportunity

The article highlights the example of Bhutan, which has mined over 13,000 bitcoin from surplus hydropower, representing a holding of £1.05 billion at current prices.


The piece examines how the Bhutanese experience could be applied in the UK (wind power) and Ethiopia (hydroelectric) to absorb surplus energy, avoid curtailment costs, enhance grid efficiency, and generate revenue.


A roadmap for creating fertile conditions

The article also provides suggestions as to how governments and regulators can help create an enabling environment, including:

• Establishing clear and comprehensive policy frameworks

• Promoting ‘greencoin’ – a type of bitcoin mined exclusively with surplus renewable energy

• Investing in supportive infrastructure

• Creating economic incentives

• Building public trust and buy-in

 


We’d love to hear your perspectives:

  • Is your organisation working on surplus renewable energy solutions?

  • What regulatory or risk barriers need to shift?

  • Could ethical crypto be part of broader national climate finance strategies?


Drop your thoughts below or share with someone who is driving conversation on this topic. 

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