Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Hits 148.2T; Russia and USA Explore Joint Mining Project

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Reaches 148.2T in Final 2025 Adjustment

The Bitcoin mining difficulty has surged to 148.2 trillion during the last adjustment in 2025, with forecasts suggesting a further increase to 149 trillion by January 8, 2026. This metric measures the computational challenge of adding new blocks to the blockchain ledger.

The average block time currently stands at 9.95 minutes, slightly below the target of 10 minutes, which triggers difficulty increases. The adjustment mechanism operates every 2,016 blocks, approximately every two weeks, to ensure consistent block production across the network.

Throughout 2025, the mining difficulty reached multiple all-time highs, including two significant spikes in September during a Bitcoin uptrend, before prices plummeted in the market crash of October. The rising difficulty compels miners to invest more computational and energy resources to remain competitive in this capital-intensive sector.

"The difficulty system protects the decentralization of the network by preventing a single miner from controlling block production," as noted in the report.

This dynamic mechanism helps prevent 51% attacks, where a miner or group could control the majority of the network's computational power, potentially allowing for double spending and undermining Bitcoin's core value proposition, which could severely impact the asset's price.

The network hashrate, representing the total computational power securing Bitcoin, continues to rise according to data from CryptoQuant. The increasing difficulty reflects a growing participation of miners despite operational challenges in the sector.

The next adjustment at block height 931,392 will recalibrate the mining difficulty based on recent block times, ensuring the decentralized structure of Bitcoin and protecting price stability through predictable supply issuance.

Key Takeaways:

• Bitcoin mining difficulty reached 148.2 trillion in 2025.
• Forecasts predict an increase to 149 trillion by January 2026.
• The average block time is currently 9.95 minutes.

Russia and the USA Discuss Joint BTC Mining at Nuclear Power Plant

Recent Bitcoin mining news indicates that Russia is in discussions with the United States to jointly manage Bitcoin mining operations at a well-known nuclear power plant. Both countries are exploring ways to manage the facility and reinvest some of the excess energy into crypto mining.

Meanwhile, Russia has yet to confirm whether these discussions have led to a pilot project or proposal. Reports state that President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the United States is interested in utilizing power from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant for mining purposes.

The Zaporizhzhia plant is the largest nuclear power facility in Europe, and discussions about its management are ongoing amid broader talks about the future of the facility and potential collaboration between the two nations. However, no formal agreements or clear plans have emerged from these discussions.

It is important to note that while the immense energy produced by the Zaporizhzhia facility is suitable for continuous operations, including Bitcoin mining, there has been no information regarding the scope or timeline of any potential project.

Key Takeaways:

• Russia and the USA are discussing joint management of Bitcoin mining at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
• No formal agreements or pilot projects have been established yet.
• The plant is the largest nuclear facility in Europe, producing significant energy suitable for mining operations.

VanEck Analyzes Bitcoin Mining Activity Slowdown as Bullish Signal

The Bitcoin mining news comes shortly after The Coin Republic reported on a new analysis by VanEck, suggesting that the recent slowdown in mining activities could signal a bullish turn for Bitcoin. The report indicates that Bitcoin mining often yields higher returns during periods of declining network activity.

Historically, the asset is more likely to record gains when mining pressure decreases. Data from 2014 showed that 90-day Bitcoin returns were positive in 65% of cases when the network's hashrate fell, compared to 54% when the hashrate increased.

VanEck describes this trend as a contrarian signal, typically occurring during phases of capitulation among mining companies when weaker operators are forced to exit under financial pressure. Such moments often favor long-term holders.

VanEck noted that the Bitcoin hashrate fell by 4% in the month leading up to December 15, marking the most significant decline since April 2024. If this hashrate compression persists, positive returns have historically been more frequent and pronounced.

Key Takeaways:

• VanEck suggests that a slowdown in Bitcoin mining activity could indicate a bullish trend.
• Historically, lower mining pressure correlates with higher asset returns.
• The Bitcoin hashrate experienced a 4% decline leading up to December 15, 2024.

Sources:

• Bitcoin-Mining-Schwierigkeit erreicht 148,2T bei letzter Anpassung 2025
• Bitcoin Mining Nachrichten: Russland und USA diskutieren über gemeinsamen BTC-Abbau in Atomkraftwerk