2024-11-16 –, Nakamoto Stage
In this panel, Jan Wüstenfeld and Toni Gress will present the latest findings from their research group, which includes PhD candidates and professors from various universities. Their research provides robust and scientifically sound evidence that the carbon-equivalent footprint of Bitcoin is significantly overestimated in existing models, such as those by DeVries and Cambridge, by at least double. Furthermore, we identify a clear trend towards a net zero footprint for the Bitcoin mining network in the coming years. This is driven by the increasing share of renewable energy in mining and the adoption of methane mitigation-based Bitcoin mining practices. Join us to explore these groundbreaking insights and their implications for the future of Bitcoin and the environment.
Background in capital markets, education and non-profit leadership, Bitcoin mining, and early-stage investing.
As the Lead Researcher at Melanion GreenTech, Dr. Jan Wüstenfeld focuses on analyzing the Bitcoin mining market, energy and sustainability. Before that, during his doctoral studies in economics, he conducted extensive research on the behavior of Bitcoin investors and development economics. His expertise extends to the detailed evaluation of data on the development of the Bitcoin network and sustainability aspects in Bitcoin mining.
Antonius Gress is a seasoned expert in energy technology with a focus on renewables, system technology, and energy economics. His journey into the Bitcoin space began in 2014 when, as a skeptic, he questioned Bitcoin’s energy consumption. Two years later, in 2016, he had a pivotal realization that reshaped his understanding of the topic. Since then, Antonius has been an active advocate of Bitcoin, particularly exploring its environmental impact.
Erik Hersman is the CEO of Gridless, which deploys bitcoin mining on renewable energy minigrids across rural Africa. He is well known on the African continent as the founder of the iHub, one of Africa’s first and largest technology spaces in Nairobi, Kenya. He is also co-founder of Ushahidi, BRCK, Gearbox, founding chair of AfriLabs and a general partner in the Savannah Fund.