Bitcoin’s environmental influence stays contested, however ESG researcher Daniel Batten says a number of widespread criticisms of bitcoin mining don’t match peer-reviewed analysis or grid-level knowledge.
Batten wrote in a Saturday X thread that 9 “myths” about bitcoin’s power use are contradicted by research and operational proof.
He mentioned:
“Each nascent disruptive know-how is accompanied by claims which can be primarily based on lack of expertise, lack of information, and a concern of one thing unknown.”
Claims about transactions and grids
Batten disputed the concept bitcoin is resource-intensive “per transaction,” arguing that power, water, and e-waste usually are not pushed by transaction quantity.
He cited analysis summarized within the College of Cambridge’s 2025 Digital Mining Trade Report, which discovered bitcoin’s power use is essentially unbiased of transaction quantity.
Batten additionally challenged claims that mining destabilizes energy grids.
He argued it may well stabilize grids by means of versatile load administration, notably on renewable-heavy programs similar to Texas.
Energy costs and emissions
Batten mentioned there isn’t any knowledge displaying customers pay extra for electrical energy due to bitcoin miners.
He additionally argued that evaluating bitcoin’s power use to whole international locations is deceptive, saying the main target needs to be on energy-source transformation.
Batten disputed the declare that bitcoin has a “excessive carbon footprint,” arguing mining produces no direct emissions and as an alternative creates scope-2 emissions from electrical energy use.
Proof-of-work and renewables
Batten mentioned proof-of-stake will not be routinely “higher,” arguing that equating decrease power use with decrease hurt is a class error.
He additionally mentioned mining can cut back renewable curtailment.
He cited research claiming bitcoin mining improved photo voltaic and wind utilization and supported microgrid economics.
On miner economics, the hash worth and miner month-to-month income charts present how incentives change over time.