Insights from the Africa Bitcoin Conference: Bitcoin Mining as a Catalyst for Renewable Energy Growth
At the Africa Bitcoin Conference 2024, Elliot David, Head of Climate Strategy & Partnerships of Sustainable Bitcoin Protocol (SBP) showcased the transformative role of bitcoin mining in Africa and its potential to accelerate the continent’s renewable energy adoption. With organizations like Gridless Compute leading grassroots efforts, Africa has the opportunity to leapfrog into the 21st century by building local energy, internet, and monetary infrastructure, unlocking immense economic and environmental benefits.
Kenya and Ethiopia alone possess enough renewable energy to power the entire global Bitcoin network several times over, positioning bitcoin mining as a catalyst for clean energy development. Elliot highlighted SBP’s mission to align Bitcoin with the clean energy transition, enabling miners to monetize renewable energy use through partnerships that attract institutional climate capital.
With 20-25% of the global Bitcoin hash rate already under its umbrella, SBP is committed to supporting Africa-based miners, demonstrating how Bitcoin can drive sustainable growth while unlocking the continent’s clean energy potential.