The Swiss cantonal parliament of Bern has approved a motion to consider Bitcoin mining as a way to harness surplus energy and stabilize the power grid.
The initiative was introduced by the cross-party parliamentary group “Bitcoin'' on March 14, 2024, and was passed by a decisive vote of 85 to 46 in the Grand Council, despite the government's opposition.
The initiative directs the Council of Governments to assess how Bitcoin mining can reuse unused energy and create economic opportunities.
The 'State Bitcoin Strategy III' proposal, introduced by the bipartisan Bitcoin Parliamentary Group, aims to make the canton of Bern an “attractive location” for companies with innovative Bitcoin strategies.
The motion calls for the government to identify untapped energy areas in Bern, work with Swiss mining companies to assess how this surplus energy could be used for Bitcoin mining, and stabilize the power grid during periods of supply fluctuation. It calls on the government to produce a report that addresses three key points: the assessment of gender. .
“Bitcoin mining companies will bring investment, create jobs, and support the development of renewable energy sources in many locations around the world,” the proposal states.
The proposal was supported by several political factions, including the Swiss People's Party, the Green Liberal Party, the Center Party and the EDU, and was opposed by green left-wing groups, according to a report by BlockTrainer.
EDU representative and main sponsor of the motion, Samuel Kullman, hailed the vote as a victory over skepticism.
“Even though the debate was heavily influenced by classic FUD arguments and missed the point, the proposal ultimately won a clear majority,” Kullman said.
The proposal suggests similar success could be replicated in Bern, compared to Texas, where Bitcoin miners are partnering with grid operators to balance power demand and supply. are.
The State Council of Governments, which enforces the law, had previously recommended the motion be rejected, citing concerns about energy consumption, competition from other sectors, and Bitcoin's non-legal tender status.
Bitcoin mining and criticism
The debate surrounding Bitcoin mining has been dominated by concerns about its environmental impact, with critics arguing that the energy demands of proof-of-work cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin exceed those of many countries. Pointed out.
In March, global nonprofit Greenpeace accused the Bitcoin mining industry of having “deep ties” to the fossil fuel industry and “right-wing climate change deniers,” sparking a massive backlash against the group. caused it.
However, new research suggests that banning Bitcoin mining may not reduce emissions as intended.
A recent study finds that restrictions on crypto mining in certain regions could unintentionally increase global carbon emissions by moving operations to countries with fewer sustainable energy sources. I did.
Despite the criticism, proponents argue that Bitcoin mining acts as a flexible energy consumer, helping to reuse surplus electricity that would otherwise go to waste.
Edited by Sebastian Sinclair
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