I propose a useful POW system where the problems will incentivize the development of energy efficient reversible computing devices. In particular, I propose that one use a reversible computing optimized POW problem RCO-POW which can just as easily be solved using a reversible computer as it can be solved using a conventional computer. Reversible computers have the potential of being many times more efficient (and hence more powerful) than is possible with conventional computers. One disadvantage of RCO-POW problems is that these problems will not be ASIC resistant since reversible computing devices will be in a sense certain kinds of ASICs. A couple ways to mitigate this disadvantage would be to implement several RCO-POW problems instead of just one or to implement RCO-POW problems along with other kinds of POW problems in the cryptocurrency.

I have discussed how RCO-POW problems would work in more detail here https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1985289.0.

Joseph Van Name Ph.D.
boolesrings.org/jvanname