Note: The accuracy of our emission estimates critically depends on the latest data concerning the geographical distribution of Bitcoin mining activity, as this distribution directly informs our calculations of the electricity mix. Therefore, it is important to note that the estimates currently displayed on our website are grounded on electricity mix data available as of January 2022. Recent evidence indicates that the mining landscape has changed notably since then. To ensure the continued reliability of our emission estimates, we are actively working with our partners to provide more up-to-date data in the foreseeable future. For now, we would ask you to bear in mind that today's electricity mix associated with Bitcoin mining is likely markedly different from that of January 2022. Based on initial data, this discrepancy likely leads to an overestimation in our emission estimate by approximately 25%. Further information on our methodology can be found here.

Note: "Historical" refers to the period before location-specific data was available (world electricity mix is used). "Assessed" refers to the period for which location-specific data was available. "Predicted" refers to the period between now and the latest mining map update (the last available mining map data is used). More information can be found in the methodology section. GHG emissions are expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). The model starts on July 18th 2010, as no electricity consumption data was available for the prior period.

Note: Monthly/yearly GHG emission figures are the sum of the daily figures for the respective period calculated using the best-guess estimate. The cumulative consumption is the sum of the daily figures since the start of the model on 18 July 2010. More information can be found in the methodology section. GHG emissions are expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). A separate analysis that ignores profitability considerations suggests that Bitcoin’s cumulative electricity consumption for the period between January 2009 and July 2010 has amounted to 4.74 megawatt-hours (MWh), or 0.00000474 TWh. Even assuming that the electricity was generated exclusively by coal-fired power plants, this would result in only 4.74 tCO2e – a mere rounding error.

Energy-related estimates

The model also provides estimates of Bitcoin's underlying electricity consumption by source and emissions intensity. Both estimates are derived from geographical data on Bitcoin mining operations and regional data on energy sources used for electricity generation.

Note: The electricity consumption by source is based on a combination of annual data on electricity generation by source and monthly data on the geolocational distribution of the Bitcoin network hashrate. The observation period ranges from September 2019 to the date of the latest mining map data release. More information can be found in the methodology section.

Note: As with electricity consumption by source, the model also provides an estimate of the average greenhouse gas emission intensity. Specified in terms of greenhouse gases emitted per kilowatt-hour (gCO2e/kWh), the estimate indicates the environmental footprint of the average kilowatt-hour consumed by Bitcoin miners."Historical" refers to the period before location-specific data was available (world electricity mix is used). "Assessed" refers to the period for which location-specific data was available. "Predicted" refers to the period between now and the latest mining map update (the last available mining map data is used). More information can be found in the methodology section.