Mining Bitcoin (BTC) is gaining popularity with the expansion of the cryptocurrency sector, and the construction of the first nuclear-powered data center in the United States, which is expected to house Bitcoin mining services, has just been completed.
World Nuclear News reported on January 18 that Cumulus Data, a company that manufactures zero-carbon data centers, has completed the powered shell for its first data center powered by a 2.5-gigawatt nuclear power station.
It offers 48 megawatts of power and 300,000 square feet of space, and its 1,200-acre campus is expected to host Bitcoin mining and cloud computing services - the first of its kind in the United States.
Providing a solution to the energy 'trilemma'
Alex Hernandez, CEO of Cumulus Data and Talen Energy, commented on the development:
“Our flagship Cumulus Susquehanna data center campus is positioned to welcome its first tenant and commence commercial operations this year. We look forward to advancing our mission to solve the energy ‘trilemma’, which we define as the rapidly increasing consumer demand for zero-carbon, low-cost, and reliable electricity by data center customers.”
As part of Phase 1 of the project, two additional 48 megawatt-powered shells are currently in advanced development, resulting in a total of 475 megawatts of capacity for the campus. Furthermore, Cumulus Data had identified 18 additional Talen Energy sites that could be utilized as data centers.
Initially, Talen Energy announced a joint venture with TeraWulf to develop a zero-carbon Crypto mining facility at the campus in August 2021.
Even though construction on the Bitcoin mine was briefly suspended in early December last year, TeraWulf recently said it was in the early phases of ramping up its mining operation and expects to provide 50 megawatts of net mining capacity.
Eco-friendly Bitcoin mining
Using hydro-electricity, the Virunga National Park in eastern Congo is mining Bitcoin at a low cost to protect wildlife and forests in Africa's oldest protected park, affected by militia violence, deforestation, and poor government assistance.
Solar panels can be used for zero-carbon Bitcoin mining. An Antiminer S19, which uses 72 kWh per day, would require a 14 kWh solar system, or 35 standard 400-watt panels.
As reported in March 2022, Peter Egyed, also known as AZ Hodl, installed an off-grid solar array for his Bitcoin mining operation, for which he expected to realize a return on investment (ROI) within 36 months.
