Bitcoin Mining Power Use Rises 38% to 190 TWh, Hydropower Leads
Bitcoin mining energy consumption climbed 38% to 190 TWh in late 2025, according to Cambridge data. Hydropower displaced gas as the largest single source, with low-carbon energy now accounting for 59.4% of the network's power mix.
Key Takeaways
- 1## Energy Consumption Surge Bitcoin mining power consumption reached 190 TWh in late 2025, a 38% increase from the prior measurement period, according to data from the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index.
- 2The jump reflects both growing network hashrate and increased capital deployment into mining hardware across multiple regions.
- 3## Renewable Energy Gains Share Hydroelectric power became the largest single source in Bitcoin's energy mix, overtaking natural gas.
- 4Low-carbon energy sources—including hydropower, wind, and solar—now represent 59.
- 54% of total mining power use, up from prior periods when coal and gas held larger shares.
Energy Consumption Surge
Bitcoin mining power consumption reached 190 TWh in late 2025, a 38% increase from the prior measurement period, according to data from the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index. The jump reflects both growing network hashrate and increased capital deployment into mining hardware across multiple regions.
Renewable Energy Gains Share
Hydroelectric power became the largest single source in Bitcoin's energy mix, overtaking natural gas. Low-carbon energy sources—including hydropower, wind, and solar—now represent 59.4% of total mining power use, up from prior periods when coal and gas held larger shares. The shift reflects geographic concentration of new mining operations toward regions with abundant hydropower capacity, particularly in jurisdictions with low electricity costs and favorable water resources.
Ongoing Composition Questions
Cambridge's index tracks aggregate power consumption but does not attribute specific TWh totals to individual energy sources or regions. The precise breakdown of gas, coal, and other sources at the 190 TWh level remains subject to estimation variance across different research methodologies.
Why It Matters
For Traders
Network hashrate growth signals continued miner investment and operational expansion, which may influence Bitcoin's long-term supply dynamics.
For Investors
Rising low-carbon energy share reduces regulatory and ESG headwinds for Bitcoin adoption and may improve public and institutional perception.
For Builders
Sustained mining demand for renewable energy opens infrastructure opportunities for protocols and services tied to energy markets or carbon accounting.
