MARA begins mining Bitcoin with natural gas in Texas and North Dakota

MARA has launched a 25 MW natural gas-powered microdata center, marking a breakthrough in the sustainability and energy efficiency of Bitcoin mining.

MARA, one of the leaders in bitcoin mining, is implementing innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. It announced it has fully powered a new 25 MW microdata center in collaboration with NGON, to efficiently mine bitcoins. 

According to the company, this initiative will not only help strengthen its position in the Bitcoin mining market, but will also support the energy transformation of the network by convert natural gas, which was previously burned, into low-cost electricityMicro data centers operate directly on oil fields, utilizing associated gas that would otherwise be flared and wasted by producers due to a lack of extraction capacity.

Using this gas to mine Bitcoin represents an economically viable solution, as it significantly reduces methane emissions, a gas with a powerful short-term warming effect, transforming it into carbon dioxide, which has a comparatively minor climate impact. The model offers benefits both for MARA, by reducing its operating expenses and dependence on external suppliers, and for its energy partners, by helping them comply with environmental regulations and monetize a previously wasted resource.

Mining Bitcoin reduces emissions and improves energy efficiency

Converting natural gas to electricity through MARA's grid improves combustion efficiency to approximately 99%, compared to 92% for average combustion, according to company data. By the end of February 2025, this grid had already reduced a net total of 29.300 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, equivalent to removing 6.800 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for a full year, according to EPA data. 

Channeling this gas through power generation infrastructure also helps MARA's energy partners meet regulatory requirements in areas with flaring restrictions.

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In addition to these environmental benefits, the initiative creates tangible economic value by allowing MARA produce Bitcoin at a reduced cost, while helping operators benefit from future carbon credit markets linked to gas flaring mitigation and grid independence.

Lower energy costs per Bitcoin mined by MARA

On the other hand, the company reported that the operations in this microcenter currently offer the lowest energy cost per bitcoin mined across its entire global fleet, which has approximately 1,7 gigawatts of capacity. 

As the industry moves towards the next Bitcoin halving, scheduled for April 2028, low-cost, proprietary energy becomes even more essential to maintaining competitiveness and long-term growth, the company said. By utilizing associated natural gas, which is often flared due to a lack of infrastructure to deliver it to market, MARA not only reduces its operating costs but also prevents the release of methane into the atmosphere, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide.

This strategy allows MARA to maintain a competitive advantage significant in the Bitcoin mining market. The company is harnessing a resource previously considered waste to generate economic and environmental value. At the same time, it is reducing its dependence on traditional energy suppliers and protecting itself against energy price volatility.

Towards a sustainable energy model for Bitcoin mining

MARA currently operates 139 MW of its own energy assets, including 25 MW of gas-fired generation and 114 MW from a wind farm acquired in Texas earlier this year. Natural gas represents approximately 18% of MARA's total generation portfolio. This diversified energy approach, encompassing grid- and off-grid assets, enhances the company's ability to optimize energy costs, reduce exposure to market volatility, and increase reliability. It also provides additional options to explore on-site energy services and energy sales in the future.

The successful completion of this project confirms MARA's ability to design, build and operate large-scale modular gas-to-power infrastructure. 

In short, MARA's strategy in Texas and North Dakota demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in the crypto mining industry. By transforming a harmful byproduct into a valuable energy source, the company not only improves its operational efficiency but also contributes to environmental protection. 

As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, initiatives like this one pave the way for increasingly responsible and efficient Bitcoin mining. 

Investing in cryptoassets is not fully regulated, may not be suitable for retail investors due to high volatility and there is a risk of losing all invested amounts.