Bitcoin mining, the secretive backbone of the cryptocurrency, has long fascinated enthusiasts. But what lies beyond the surface?

The Realities

• Miners consume 70-100 TWh of energy annually, rivaling small nations.
• Hardware costs reach $5,000-$10,000 per rig, a hefty investment.
• China controls 70% of global mining, sparking decentralization concerns.

Expert Insights

"Miners are the unsung heroes of Bitcoin, ensuring network security." - Andreas Antonopoulos

The Future

• Renewable energy integration to reduce carbon footprint.
• Cutting-edge chip tech for efficiency.
• Decentralized mining to break China's dominance.

Key Stats

• 21 million BTC: total supply.
• 3.5 million BTC: remaining.
• 2024 Halving: reduced rewards.

Sources:

• CoinMarketCap
• Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance

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