(I think this should go in mining)
There has been a lot of talk on this. Quite a few good papers
https://karlodwyer.github.io/publications/pdf/bitcoin_KJOD_2014.pdfFrom this paper:
"Bitcoin mining is comparable to Irelands electricity consumption".
As bitcoin grows the amount of energy on the planet is not increasing. Anyone who understands the article, it seems very legitimate to me, discuss, Yes, I realize the miner wants to reduce cost & cut waste. Therefore they may seek alternative forms or desire to do so. Yes, I read about the Hydrofarmer on this very forum. It is just not the norm with all the major miners around the planet. Proof of work is expensive.
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Proof_of_work**Title was sarcastic. But it is still something to think about?
I have read that paper. But i dont think it will be a matter since there are mining farms right now that are using solar power. I think its halleybtc and cryptomining.farm that uses solar power. If new generation minng farms will use alternative energy then power consumption is no longer a problem.