--- title: IREN to Exit Bitcoin Mining by 2026, Shifting Focus to AI Cloud Services canonical: https://mining-provider.com/iren-to-exit-bitcoin-mining-by-2026-shifting-focus-to-ai-cloud-services/ author: Mining Provider Editorial Staff published: 2026-05-31 updated: 2026-05-31 language: en category: News description: IREN is shifting from Bitcoin mining to AI cloud services, planning a complete exit by 2026 due to declining revenues in mining and increased focus on AI. Meanwhile, Bitdeer prioritizes liquidity by selling all mined Bitcoin instead of holding it, contrasting with other companies' accumulation strategies. source: Provimedia GmbH --- # IREN to Exit Bitcoin Mining by 2026, Shifting Focus to AI Cloud Services > **Autor:** Mining Provider Editorial Staff | **Veröffentlicht:** 2026-05-31 **Zusammenfassung:** IREN is shifting from Bitcoin mining to AI cloud services, planning a complete exit by 2026 due to declining revenues in mining and increased focus on AI. Meanwhile, Bitdeer prioritizes liquidity by selling all mined Bitcoin instead of holding it, contrasting with other companies' accumulation strategies. --- ## IREN Aktie: Exit from Bitcoin Mining by 2026 IREN is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from Bitcoin mining to focus on AI cloud services. The company plans to completely cease its Bitcoin operations by the end of 2026, a shift that has been influenced by a substantial hardware deal with Dell worth approximately $1.6 billion. In the latest quarter, IREN's mining revenues fell to $111.2 million from $167.4 million in the previous quarter, attributed to a declining Bitcoin price and the ongoing decommissioning of mining hardware in favor of GPU installations. Meanwhile, revenues from AI cloud services surged to $33.6 million, more than doubling from previous figures. > "Goldman Sachs has already revised its revenue forecasts for crypto mining downwards," highlighting the challenges faced by the sector. As of the last trading session, IREN's stock closed at €54.50, reflecting a decrease of 0.89% from the previous day, but showing a year-to-date increase of 49.44% and an impressive 617.29% over the past twelve months. In summary, IREN is pivoting from Bitcoin mining to AI cloud services, with a complete exit planned by 2026. The company has seen a significant drop in mining revenues while AI cloud revenues have more than doubled. ## Energy Consumption: Bitcoin vs. Ethereum The Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index estimates that Bitcoin's annual energy consumption is around 150–175 TWh, comparable to the annual energy consumption of countries like Poland or Ukraine. This high energy demand is a result of Bitcoin's Proof-of-Work mechanism, which requires significant computational power to secure the network. In contrast, Ethereum has transitioned to a Proof-of-Stake model, drastically reducing its energy consumption. This shift highlights the differences in energy efficiency between the two cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin remaining significantly more energy-intensive. According to the Cambridge Digital Mining Industry Report, 52.4% of the energy used for Bitcoin mining now comes from sustainable sources, up from 37.6% in 2022. However, over 45% of the energy still derives from fossil fuels, indicating that the debate over Bitcoin's environmental impact remains complex. In conclusion, Bitcoin's energy consumption is substantial, with ongoing discussions about its environmental impact. The comparison with Ethereum illustrates the potential for more energy-efficient blockchain models. ## Bitdeer's Strategy: Selling Every Bitcoin Mined Bitdeer has recently mined and sold over 206 Bitcoin in just one week, prioritizing liquidity over accumulating Bitcoin reserves. This strategy aims to reduce the risks associated with price volatility and supports operational financing. Unlike many mining companies that hold onto their mined Bitcoin, Bitdeer's approach focuses on immediate cash generation, which is crucial for managing operational costs such as electricity and hardware maintenance. This decision comes at a time when institutional demand for Bitcoin is increasing, raising questions about the company's long-term strategy. Investors are divided on whether immediate sales or long-term holding is the better strategy. Bitdeer's focus on liquidity may appeal to those favoring predictable financial management, but it could limit potential gains during bullish market phases. In summary, Bitdeer's decision to sell every Bitcoin mined reflects a clear operational strategy focused on liquidity and financial stability, contrasting with the accumulation strategies of many of its competitors. Sources: - [IREN Aktie: Ausstieg aus Bitcoin-Mining bis 2026](https://www.boerse-global.de/iren-aktie-ausstieg-aus-bitcoin-mining-bis-2026/791298) - [Energieverbrauch: Bitcoin und Ethereum im Vergleich](https://www.coinpro.ch/bitcoin/energieverbrauch/) - [Warum verkauft Bitdeer Hunderte von Bitcoin?](https://coinfomania.com/de/warum-verkauft-bitdeer-hunderte-von-bitcoin/) --- *Dieser Artikel wurde ursprünglich veröffentlicht auf [mining-provider.com](https://mining-provider.com/iren-to-exit-bitcoin-mining-by-2026-shifting-focus-to-ai-cloud-services/)* *© 2026 Provimedia GmbH*