Pakistan is considering using Bitcoin mining powered by unused electricity to address its $7.4 billion annual energy losses.
The country plans to redirect 2,000 MW of idle electricity to Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, aiming to turn financial losses into potential gains.
Pakistan's unused electricity capacity, amounting to 14% of its total capacity, results in massive annual energy losses, burdening the national budget.
The rapid growth of solar energy in Pakistan has brought challenges like grid instability and uneven cost distribution, impacting non-solar users and poorer households.
The proposal to use idle power for Bitcoin mining is seen as a way to absorb excess electricity during off-peak times, ease grid pressure, and generate digital revenue.
Concerns have been raised about potential pollution from running old power plants for Bitcoin mining and whether the benefits will truly trickle down to citizens.
If successful, Pakistan's use of Bitcoin mining to address its energy crisis could set a precedent for other countries facing similar challenges.