Malawi uses Bitcoin mining to provide electricity to thousands of families.
Although Bitcoin mining has generated great controversy due to its energy consumption, it is an activity that drives the most decentralized and robust alternative financial system in the world. In addition to this, experts have found in Bitcoin a useful tool to overcome several obstacles related to energy production and distribution. For example, the blockchain that supports the most important cryptocurrency on the market It helps to stabilize electrical networks, while encouraging the generation of clean energy..
An example of the potential of the Bitcoin network is visible in Malawi, a country located in southeastern Africa, where thousands of families can have access to electricity thanks to the mining activity of this cryptocurrency.
Gridless, a company that supports energy development in Africa and is behind the Bitcoin mining project in Malawi, showed via Twitter how 1.600 families located in the mountainous region of the country are connected to a mini hydroelectric grid, which powers 50 kilowatts (kW) of power to operate Bitcoin miners.
The surplus energy from this mini-grid of clean energy is being used by local families, the company said.
Although this is an innovative and fairly recent Bitcoin mining project, Gridless said it has had a huge positive impact in the region. The company is currently working on improving the wiring and ventilation system of the mining equipment, among other things, in order to optimize its small mining farm, ensure its profitability and allow for its growth in the future.
Bitcoin mining empowers communities in Africa
Gridless stressed that it is important to ensure that local families in the mountains of Malawi are aware of what Bitcoin mining is and how it is benefiting them. Therefore, the company has already held several meetings with local family heads to explain to them how the Bitcoin mining farm it operates in the region works.
Erik Hersman, co-founder of Gridless and other projects related to the technology industry, said in a podcast that Bitcoin mining is the “missing link” in the energy sector.
Africa has the potential to produce up to 2,5 million TWh/year of solar and wind energy, more than 50% of the energy used by the United States. However, despite this potential, only half of the African population has access to this service. According to Hersman, Bitcoin can help Africa overcome this problem by expanding its electrical grid to its full potential for sustainable energy.
A new opportunity for Virunga
In addition to facilitating access to clean electricity for thousands of families, Bitcoin mining is also contributing to the preservation of terrestrial speciesAs reported by this media, the Virunga National Park, located in the Republic of Congo, on the west coast of Africa, is operating thousands of Bitcoin mining rigs to generate financial resources to cover its operating expenses.
Virunga is the oldest national park in Africa. In recent years, its economy has been affected by the arrival of the Covid pandemic and the reduction of tourism, its main source of income, so its current director, Emmanuel de Merode, adopted Bitcoin mining as an alternative to generate resources and guarantee its sustainability.
This national park is operating thousands of crypto mining rigs that are powered by hydroelectric energy from a local power plant.
In other parts of the world, such as El Salvador and Texas (United States), Bitcoin mining is also helping to stabilize and balance power grids. Other uses of Bitcoin mining that are being explored include heating, building hydroponic and fish hatchery systems, and Using methane gas and landfill waste as an abundant, alternative and promising source of energy for the protection and care of the environment.
Continue reading: Africa has the first national park to operate a Bitcoin mining farm
