Marathon Digital

History

2023: Mining cryptocurrency in landfills

On November 2, 2023, the largest US mining company Marathon Digital (MARA) spoke about mining products at landfills. A pilot project has been launched in Utah.

The essence of the project is to use methane released from garbage to generate electricity for mining operations. To do this, the company partners with Nodal Power, a firm that deals with alternative energy sources. The capacity of the pilot project is 280 kilowatts. If the project proves successful, MARA plans to further develop the idea.

MARA tests bitcoin mining with methane energy in landfills

The Marathon pilot is part of a broader initiative by the company to pump methane out of garbage and use it for miners, the company said, commenting on the news.

MARA is not the only company to turn to alternative energy sources to reduce its mining costs. So, in 2022, the startup Vespene Energy announced a similar project, but it is only known about raising money for the project. Methane collection points were installed by Crusoe Energy miners. In addition to energy extraction, companies thus reduce methane emissions into the atmosphere, which reduces the negative environmental effect. When released into the atmosphere, methane is 20 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.

Methane is produced by itself from landfills and biomusor and is often not used in any way. Miners like Marathon are unique in that they can turn this harmful gas into a productive source of clean, renewable energy, commented Fred Thiel, CEO of Marathon on the project.[1]

Notes