Re:Bitcoin hashrate drops nearly 40% as deadly U.S. storm un...
by danans on Tuesday December 27, 2022 @01:16PM
(#34151728)
> methane (worse than CO2) and hydrocarbons are flared directly into the atmosphere
The word "flaring" in this case indicates burning the methane. Releasing it without burning it is called venting [1].
I question how significant the difference is in the C02 and methane emissions of flaring the non marketable methane directly vs running a natural gas turbine to power a mining facility.
> so their desperation results in many ways to help make mining company presence a sweetheart deal in the energy rates the miners receive.
It seems more like a a way to maximize the profit of or minimize regulatory penalties on the fracking operation, which is a fine business objective, but likely not a significant emissions reduction overall compared to the fracked gas itself. I'd like to see independent numbers comparing C02 and methane emissions associated with flaring vs BTC mining.
The word "flaring" in this case indicates burning the methane. Releasing it without burning it is called venting [1].
I question how significant the difference is in the C02 and methane emissions of flaring the non marketable methane directly vs running a natural gas turbine to power a mining facility.
> so their desperation results in many ways to help make mining company presence a sweetheart deal in the energy rates the miners receive.
It seems more like a a way to maximize the profit of or minimize regulatory penalties on the fracking operation, which is a fine business objective, but likely not a significant emissions reduction overall compared to the fracked gas itself. I'd like to see independent numbers comparing C02 and methane emissions associated with flaring vs BTC mining.
1. https://www.energy.gov/fecm/articles/doe-flaring-and-venting....