Can Bitcoin Stop Climate Change? Proof of Work, Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint (SoK)

Despite their potential in many respects, blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) technology have been the target of criticism for the energy intensity of the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus algorithm in general and of Bitcoin mining in particular. However, mining is also believed to have the potential to drive net decarbonization and renewable penetration in the energy grid by providing ancillary and other services. In this paper, we systematize the state of the art in this regard. Although not completely absent from the literature, the extent to which flexible load response (FLR) through PoW mining may support grid decarbonization remains insufficiently studied and hence contested. We approach this research gap by systematizing both the strengths and the limitations of mining to provide FLR services for energy grids. We find that a net-decarbonizing effect led by renewable-based mining is indeed plausible.