What happens if bitcoin mining stops or becomes too expensive? Is that within the realm of possibility? Are there mitigating factors, probably the adoption of renewable energy?
By the year 2140, all 21 million bitcoin will have been mined. After that, no new bitcoin will be created, and miners will no longer earn rewards for adding new blocks to the blockchain. Instead, their income will come only from transaction fees paid by users.
By 2140, demand will drive transaction fees to levels far higher than today. The network will be adequately secured by a vibrant, competitive fee market driven by high-value settlement demand.