Bhutan Embraces Bitcoin in National Strategy; Hut 8 and IREN Shift to AI

18.12.2025 64 times read 1 Comments

Bhutan Integrates Bitcoin into National Strategy

Bhutan, a small kingdom nestled between India and China, has made a significant commitment to Bitcoin by integrating it into its national strategy. The country has been mining Bitcoin since 2019 using excess hydropower, and it has built a strategic reserve of Bitcoin that has already been utilized for economic stabilization measures and other state expenditures. Bhutan plans to sell sustainably mined Bitcoin similarly to CO₂ certificates to companies aiming to meet their ESG goals.

“We have transformed unused natural capacities into a lasting national value that can support future generations.”

The focus of Bhutan's strategy includes promoting Bitcoin mining as a means of converting clean energy into long-term national value, fostering sustainable industries, and creating qualified jobs. The country aims to ensure that every citizen benefits from the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, which is set to receive up to 10,000 BTC (approximately $1 billion) for its development.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Bhutan has committed to integrating Bitcoin into its national strategy.
  • Plans to utilize up to 10,000 BTC for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

Hut 8 Transitions from Bitcoin Mining to AI Infrastructure

Hut 8 Mining Corp has announced a strategic shift from Bitcoin mining to artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, entering a $7 billion partnership with Fluidstack and Google. This partnership aims to develop hyperscale AI data centers in the United States, marking a significant pivot in Hut 8's business model. The company's stock surged over 25% in pre-market trading following the announcement, reflecting investor enthusiasm for this new direction.

The initial phase of this project will take place at the River Bend Campus in Louisiana, where Hut 8 plans to establish a 245 MW data center. The deal includes a 15-year lease, with options to extend, potentially increasing the contract's total value to $17.7 billion. Hut 8's CEO emphasized the importance of careful planning and execution in this transition, aiming to create sustainable value in a rapidly evolving industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hut 8 is shifting focus from Bitcoin mining to AI infrastructure.
  • The company has secured a $7 billion deal with Fluidstack and Google.

IREN's Successful Transition to AI Data Centers

IREN, formerly known as Iris Energy, is undergoing a significant transformation from Bitcoin mining to AI data centers, highlighted by a $9.7 billion contract with Microsoft. This strategic shift not only secures a prestigious client but also provides planning certainty for the coming years. IREN has achieved a mining capacity of 50 EH/s and plans to expand its GPU fleet to 140,000 units by the end of 2026, indicating a strong commitment to capitalize on the generative AI boom.

Despite concerns that this dual strategy might impact profitability, IREN has reported an EBITDA margin of 41.15%. The company continues to leverage its renewable energy sources for both mining and data center operations, maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

Key Takeaways:

  • IREN is transitioning to AI data centers with a $9.7 billion Microsoft contract.
  • The company maintains strong profitability with an EBITDA margin of 41.15%.

CIMG and Delin Holdings Diverge in Bitcoin Strategies

CIMG has taken a contrarian approach by investing $24.61 million to acquire 230 Bitcoin during the market downturn, while Delin Holdings has spent HK$39.2 million on mining machines to expand its production capabilities. CIMG's strategy reflects a classic treasury approach, viewing Bitcoin as a liquid asset for value preservation, whereas Delin's focus on mining represents a shift towards production and operational control in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

This divergence in strategies highlights the evolving landscape of institutional participation in Bitcoin, with some companies opting for direct asset holding while others invest in mining infrastructure to secure production capacity. The recent investments indicate a growing confidence in the long-term value of Bitcoin, despite current market conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • CIMG is accumulating Bitcoin as a reserve asset during market downturns.
  • Delin Holdings is investing in mining machines to enhance production capabilities.

Sources:

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Wow, Bhutan usin Bitcoin like that is honestly mind blowing! I mean, how do they even come up with that idea? I thought bitcoin was just for buying stuff online and now they are puttin it in their national stratagy. So smart! I wonder if they really can make money off selling sustainably mined Bitcoin like CO₂ credits. That’s kinda cool in a mom and pop shop way, right? And about that Gelephu Mindfulness City project, gettin 10,000 BTC? That's like a ton of cash! But what’s a mindfulness city anyway? Is it just a place to chill?

Also, Hut 8 and IREN shifting to AI sounds super sketchy, like are they giving up on bitcoin? I thought bitcoin was the future! I don’t kno why they just dont keep mining, especially since they already invested so much into it. I guess AI is the new big thing, but I hope they don’t lose money on that junk. Like, what even is a data center? Do they just like store all the internet stuff there? I feel like everyone is runnin after AI but it might just be a phase, ya kno?

CIMG and Delin are doin totally different things too, what’s up with that! CIMG is playin the long game by holdin onto Bitcoin while Delin is all about makin more mining machines. Seems like they got a different plan for Bitcoin, wonder who will come out on top? Anyway, thanks for the article, it was super interesting to see how different places and companies are handling Bitcoin. Keep it up!

Article Summary

Bhutan has integrated Bitcoin into its national strategy, utilizing excess hydropower for mining and planning to use 10,000 BTC for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. Meanwhile, companies like Hut 8 and IREN are shifting focus from Bitcoin mining to AI infrastructure with significant partnerships, reflecting a broader trend in institutional investment strategies.

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  • No strings attached

If you choose to buy after testing, you can keep your mining rewards and receive up to 20% bonus on top.

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