Connect with us

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Vs. AI — Who’s Draining The Power Grid Faster?

Published

on


Energy rivalry between Artificial Intelligence and Bitcoin mining is heating up. As tech firms improve AI, they compete with Bitcoin miners for energy. This competition reshapes US energy consumption, as both sectors have driven unprecedented electrical demand.

AI data centers are leading in the race for energy consumption. These power-thirsty projects have forecasts indicating they will consume anywhere from 85 to 134 TWh of electricity annually by the year 2027. This is roughly equal to the yearly energy consumption of Norway or Sweden and demonstrates how massive an amount of power needs to be utilized in order to execute complex AI models such as ChatGPT.

Each one of these models runs on large farms of servers, and to run ChatGPT for every search conducted by Google, estimates are that the number needed would be over 500,000 servers, with estimated consumption of about 29.2 TWh annually.

According to estimates, Bitcoin mining uses 120 TWh of energy annually. Bitcoin mining consumed 0.4% of global electricity last year, which is a massive figure. Analysts expect AI to outperform Bitcoin miners in energy demand by 2027, shifting 20% of their power capacity to AI.

Competing For Resources

With the growth of both AI and Bitcoin mining, they are increasingly competing for some of the same energy resources. Competition is soaring, with major technology companies such as Amazon and Microsoft aggressively pursuing energy assets that, until recently, had been controlled by crypto miners.

Competition is warming up wherein, for some mining operators, cash is made through leasing and selling power infrastructure while for others, the risk of losing access to the electricity that keeps them in business becomes a reality.

Total crypto market cap currently at $1.97 trillion. Chart: TradingView

This makes for such a mad scramble for energy that data centers are projected to gobble up as much as 9% of all US electricity by the end of the decade, more than doubling their current consumption.

Curiously, while crypto mining relies more on renewable energy sources-as it gets approximately 70% of its energy consumption from green sources-AI data centers mostly depend on fossil fuels.

Image: AsianInvestor

This therefore presents disparities in the views on the sustainability of both technologies. As AI demand continues to see an upward movement, tech companies weigh their carbon footprint against other source alternatives, including nuclear power.

The Road Ahead

The future of energy consumption in the tech industry is highly unpredictable. While AI continues to push the limits, its appetite for energy will see a corresponding increase. And unless efficiency starts to outpace growth radically, the environmental consequence is sure to be dire.

According to the International Energy Agency, the combined energy consumption of AI and Bitcoin mining would surge to 1,050 TWh by 2026-a quantity of electricity needed by an entire country.

But one question will always remain, as with most high-stakes energy races: will AI and Bitcoin mining be able to coexist, as in not sucking up all the earth’s resources?

How that is accomplished depends on how well these industries are able to innovate and adapt to the rising tide of sustainable energy solutions. As they race for power, the future of technology and the environment is hanging in the balance.

Featured image from Ken O./LinkedIn, chart from TradingView



Source link

Bitcoin

Strategy Adds 22,048 BTC for Nearly $2 Billion

Published

on


Michael Saylor announced that Strategy purchased nearly $2 billion worth of Bitcoin. This is a massive leap over last week’s purchase, which was already quite substantial.

Nonetheless, the firm was only able to make this acquisition thanks to major stock offerings. Bitcoin’s price has been sinking over the last few weeks, and this could mature into a potential liquidation crisis.

Strategy Maintains Bitcoin Purchases

Since Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) began acquiring Bitcoin, it’s become one of the world’s largest BTC holders. This plan has totally reoriented the company around its massive acquisitions, inspiring other firms to take up the same plan.

Today, the firm’s Chair, Michael Saylor, announced another purchase, much larger than the last few.

“Strategy has acquired 22,048 BTC for ~$1.92 billion at ~$86,969 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 11.0% YTD 2025. As of 3/30/2025, Strategy holds 528,185 BTC acquired for ~$35.63 billion at ~$67,458 per bitcoin,” Saylor claimed via social media.

Strategy’s latest Bitcoin acquisition, worth just shy of $2 billion, is a major commitment. In February, the firm made a similar $2 billion purchase, and it was followed by a tiny $10 million buy and a $500 million one. The $500 million purchase, which took place on March 24, only happened thanks to a huge new stock offering. This move further cements Strategy’s faith in BTC.

By making these billion-dollar buys, Strategy is able to buttress the entire market’s confidence in Bitcoin. However, investors should be aware of a few potential cracks.

First of all, Bitcoin’s performance is a little subpar at the moment. Despite hitting an all-time high recently, Bitcoin is having its worst quarter since 2019, and there is not much forward momentum.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Performance
Bitcoin (BTC) Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

This could cause a unique problem for the company. Since Strategy is a cornerstone of market confidence, it is unable to offload its assets without jeopardizing Bitcoin’s price.

The firm’s debts are growing at a fast rate, and this could have dangerous implications if Bitcoin keeps falling. Strategy could be forced to liquidate, even if that seems unlikely now.

Still, it’s important to remember that these are only possible scenarios. Strategy has maintained its consistent Bitcoin investments for nearly five years, and it’s paid off tremendously well. However, if it keeps taking on billions in fresh debt obligations, this faith will turn into a gamble with very high stakes.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



Source link

Continue Reading

Bitcoin

BTC Price Rebound Likely as Long-Term Holders Reenter Market

Published

on


Bitcoin (BTC) is on track to end Q1 with its worst performance since 2019. Without an unexpected recovery, BTC could close the quarter with a 25% decline from its all-time high (ATH).

Some analysts have noted that experienced Bitcoin holders are shifting into an accumulation phase, signaling potential price growth in the medium term.

Signs That Veteran Investors Are Accumulating Again

According to AxelAdlerJr, March 2025 marks a transition period where veteran investors move from selling to holding and accumulating. This shift is reflected in the Value Days Destroyed (VDD) metric, which remains low.

VDD is an on-chain indicator that tracks investor behavior by measuring the number of days Bitcoin remains unmoved before being transacted.

A high VDD suggests that older Bitcoin is being moved, which may indicate selling pressure from whales or long-term holders. A low VDD suggests that most transactions involve short-term holders, who have a smaller impact on the market.

BTC: Value Days Destroyed. Source: CryptoQuant.
BTC: Value Days Destroyed. Source: CryptoQuant

Historically, low VDD periods often precede strong price rallies. These phases suggest that investors are accumulating Bitcoin with expectations of future price increases. AxelAdlerJr concludes that this shift signals Bitcoin’s potential for medium-term growth.

“The transition of experienced players into a holding (accumulation) phase signals the potential for further BTC growth in the medium term,” AxelAdlerJr predicted.

Bitcoin’s Sell-Side Risk Ratio Hits Low

At the same time, analyst Ali highlighted another bullish indicator: Bitcoin’s sell-side risk ratio had dropped to 0.086%.

Bitcoin Sell-side Rish Ratio. Source: Glassnode
Bitcoin Sell-side Rish Ratio. Source: Glassnode

According to Ali, over the past two years, every time this ratio fell below 0.1%, Bitcoin experienced a strong price rebound. For example, in January 2024, Bitcoin surged to a then-all-time high of $73,800 after the sell-side risk ratio dipped below 0.1%.

Similarly, in September 2024, Bitcoin hit a new peak after this metric reached a low level.

The combination of veteran investors accumulating Bitcoin and a sharp decline in the sell-side risk ratio are positive signals for the market. However, a recent analysis from BeInCrypto warns of concerning technical patterns, with a death cross beginning to form.

Additionally, investors remain cautious about potential market volatility in early April. The uncertainty stems from President Trump’s upcoming announcement regarding a major retaliatory tariff.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



Source link

Continue Reading

Bitcoin

Marathon Digital to Sell $2 Billion in Stock to Buy Bitcoin

Published

on



Marathon Digital Holdings, one of the largest Bitcoin mining companies in the US, made headlines with its announcement of a $2 billion stock offering to increase its Bitcoin holdings. 

This strategic move, detailed in recent SEC filings, shows Marathon’s aggressive approach to capitalize on the growing crypto market. 

Marathon’s $2 Billion Stock Offering: Key Details

On March 30, 2025, Marathon Digital Holdings announced a $2 billion at-the-market (ATM) stock offering to fund its strategy of acquiring more Bitcoin. The company filed a Form 8-K with the SEC, outlining its plan to raise capital through the sale of shares, with the proceeds primarily aimed at increasing its Bitcoin holdings. 

According to the SEC filing (Form 424B5), Marathon intends to use the funds for “general corporate purposes,” which include purchasing additional Bitcoin and supporting operational needs.

Marathon holds 46,376 BTC, making it the second-largest publicly traded company in Bitcoin ownership, behind MicroStrategy. The company’s Bitcoin holdings have grown significantly in recent years, from 13,726 BTC in early 2024 to the current figure. 

“We believe we are the second largest holder of bitcoin among publicly traded companies. From time to time, we enter into forward or option contracts and/or lend bitcoin to increase yield on our Bitcoin holdings.” Marathon confirmed

This $2 billion stock offering continues Marathon’s strategy to bolster its balance sheet with Bitcoin, a move that aligns with its long-term vision of leveraging cryptocurrency as a store of value.

Marathon’s strategy mirrors that of MicroStrategy. MicroStrategy’s stock price has soared with Bitcoin’s value, providing a blueprint for companies like Marathon to follow. By increasing its Bitcoin holdings, Marathon aims to position itself as a leader in the crypto mining sector while diversifying its revenue streams beyond traditional mining operations.

Marathon Digital CEO Fred Thiel advises investing small amounts in Bitcoin monthly, citing its consistent long-term growth potential.

The issuance of new shares to raise $2 billion could dilute the ownership of existing shareholders, potentially impacting the company’s stock price (MARA). As of March 31, 2025, MARA stock has experienced volatility, trading at around $12.47 per share, down from a 52-week high of $24, according to data from Yahoo Finance.

Moreover, Marathon’s heavy reliance on Bitcoin exposes it to the cryptocurrency’s price fluctuations. If Bitcoin’s price were to decline significantly, the value of Marathon’s holdings would decrease, potentially straining its financial position.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 coin2049.io