Russia and the U.S. are discussing whether or not electrical energy tied to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Energy Plant could possibly be used for bitcoin mining, in accordance with Russian statements and native reporting.
Talks tied to peace negotiations
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the plant is a part of wider discussions related to a possible Ukraine peace plan.
Kommersant reported that, in accordance with Putin, American officers have proven curiosity in utilizing Zaporizhzhia’s electrical energy for bitcoin mining.
The Kremlin additionally stated the perimeters have mentioned joint administration of the power with out Ukraine’s involvement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated contacts adopted U.S. proposals associated to a potential peace settlement.
Peskov stated:
“The data was reviewed and on behalf of President Putin, contact was established between the Russian and US administrations.”
Plant standing and security warnings
Zaporizhzhia is Europe’s largest nuclear facility and sits close to Enerhodar in southern Ukraine.
Russian forces took management of the plant in March 2022.
Earlier than the conflict, it equipped about 20% of Ukraine’s electrical energy.
Since September 2022, all six reactors have been shut down for security causes, and the power is just not producing energy for the grid.
The Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company has warned that almost all primary nuclear security guidelines on the web site are being violated and stated the reactors can’t be safely restarted below present circumstances.
Why bitcoin mining is being mentioned
Reviews cited within the article stated Zaporizhzhia beforehand generated round 136.8 gigawatt-hours of electrical energy per day, creating surplus energy.
Bitcoin mining requires a gentle electrical energy provide, and nuclear energy can present steady output.
Ukraine has opposed choices concerning the plant made with out its participation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has known as the plant one of many hardest points in peace negotiations and stated Ukraine needs to regain management.
The most recent estimates say that Russia accounts for greater than 16% of world bitcoin computing energy.