Bitcoin-Mining as an Alternative Heating Method
According to ORF Tirol, the Innsbruck-based company 21energy has achieved global recognition within just two years with its innovative Bitcoin heating systems. These systems utilize the heat generated during cryptocurrency mining to warm homes, offering a dual benefit of heating and earning money. Founder Maximilian Obwexer discovered this concept when he started mining Bitcoin in his living room and realized the excessive heat produced by the mining computers. By replacing his oil heating system with Bitcoin miners, he saved €3,000 on oil and earned an additional €1,000 from mining, making the method €4,000 cheaper overall.
Obwexer also highlighted the significant reduction in noise levels of the mining devices, from 90 decibels (comparable to a motorcycle) to a level as quiet as a refrigerator. The company has sold around 4,000 units in 35 countries, achieving a revenue of €2 million last year. Despite the fluctuating Bitcoin market and electricity costs, Obwexer believes the system remains economically viable, especially when powered by renewable energy sources like photovoltaic systems. More details can be found on the ORF Tirol website at https://tirol.orf.at/stories/3294160/.
Bitcoin-Mining Revenues Remain Stable Amidst Intensifying Competition
Investing.com Deutsch reports that Bitcoin mining revenues remained steady at $1.4 billion in January 2025, despite a decline in mining difficulty for the first time since September. Public mining companies contributed approximately 30% to the network's total hashrate, with Marathon Digital leading the competition at 41.65 EH/s, followed by CleanSpark at 34.77 EH/s and Riot Platforms at 31.27 EH/s. These companies collectively hold Bitcoin worth $9.7 billion, equivalent to 99,000 BTC.
The report also highlights the challenges faced by smaller mining operators due to the recent halving event and increasing competition. The import of mining hardware into the U.S. has slowed, further stabilizing the hashrate growth. TheMinerMag predicts a continued decline in network difficulty in February, primarily due to the exit of smaller operators. For more insights, visit https://de.investing.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/bitcoinminingeinnahmen-stabil-bei-14-milliarden-usdollar-wettbewerb-verscharft-sich-93CH-2886369.
Cold Snap in the U.S. Disrupts Bitcoin Mining
IT BOLTWISE® reports that a recent cold snap in the U.S., particularly in Texas, has significantly impacted Bitcoin mining operations. The increased energy demand for heating led to higher electricity prices, making mining unprofitable for many operators. As a result, several miners temporarily halted their activities. Texas, which accounts for approximately 17% of U.S. Bitcoin mining, experienced a negative adjustment in mining difficulty for the first time in four months.
The report emphasizes the vulnerability of Bitcoin mining to external factors like climate changes and energy price fluctuations. To mitigate these challenges, many mining companies are transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This shift aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and improve the industry's sustainability. For further details, refer to the full article at https://www.it-boltwise.de/kaelteeinbruch-in-den-usa-beeintraechtigt-bitcoin-mining.html.
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