TechFlow news — On September 19, according to Bitcoin Magazine, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated in a letter addressed to The Economist that bitcoin mining serves as a powerful new tool for supporting renewable-energy-intensive power grids. He noted that while the power grid faces growing pressure from manufacturing, electric vehicles, and data centers, bitcoin mining’s electricity consumption pattern differs fundamentally from traditional usage and can bring positive impacts to the grid.
Kennedy emphasized that unlike facilities such as data centers, bitcoin mining operations only run when electricity is cheap and abundant. When power becomes scarce and prices rise, miners can reduce their electricity consumption within seconds. For example, during extreme weather events like heatwaves in Texas that cause electricity prices to spike, bitcoin miners naturally shut down their equipment. Conversely, when electricity is inexpensive, miners keep their machines running, providing energy producers with a stable source of revenue.
Furthermore, Kennedy pointed out that bitcoin miners actively participate in demand response programs, allowing grid operators to control their power usage to stabilize the grid. Citing data from the International Energy Agency, he noted that to meet net-zero emissions targets, demand response capacity must increase tenfold within this decade—adding 500 gigawatts. The involvement of bitcoin miners in these programs helps bid in open markets, thereby reducing electricity costs for consumers.
