The whole "mining is a huge waste of electricity" motion is just completely wrong.

Mining currently uses between 105MW and 150MW.
However, the act of mining is the act of keeping the Bitcoin payment system alive and secure.

Do you know how much electricity all the banks in the world use for their "services" to the people?
Hint: It is most likely much more.

Regardless of the above, many miners use renewable energy sources for mining, as in most areas it is simply cheaper.

The example of WA state with 2-4ct/kWh for commercial use is just one example, but it clearly shows that unsubsidized renewable energy can be far cheaper than any coal / gas plant.

Many miners also get hosting in Iceland, having the benefit of 100% renewable energy there plus extremely good conditions for free cooling (my miner has an intake temperature of 18°C in the summer).