UK project investigates landfill sites to power crypto mining

Mining

A UK authorities division (DEFRA) has launched a challenge to analyze whether or not the methane from landfill websites will be harnessed as a way to energy cryptocurrency miners.

A pioneering challenge

The UK Division for Surroundings, Meals, and Rural Affairs, (Defra), has launched a pioneering challenge to look at the feasibility of utilizing landfill websites for cryptocurrency. Defra launched this initiative as half of a bigger effort to seek out different makes use of for landfill websites which might be perceived by many individuals as being environmental hazards.

The challenge has two most important targets. It goals to scale back cryptocurrency mining’s carbon footprint, which many understand as being infamous for its energy-intensive nature. The challenge additionally goals to show the deserted landfills into property that generate income.

An effort to scale back carbon footprint

Mining cryptocurrency includes using specialised computer systems that clear up complicated mathematical equations. The miner is then rewarded with digital foreign money. This course of is energy-intensive and has been criticized for its detrimental environmental impression. Defra intends to make use of landfill websites that emit methane as a supply of power for cryptocurrency mining. It will scale back the carbon footprint.

It is too early to inform if the challenge shall be profitable, however In that case, the challenge could possibly be a mannequin for different international locations in search of various makes use of for landfills.

Defra’s initiative could be a highly effective answer to a fancy drawback. The corporate’s exploration of different makes use of for landfills addresses environmental issues whereas on the similar time producing income. The challenge’s success is but to be decided, however such an fascinating use case shall be nicely value watching.