Bitcoin

In a bold move to tackle the power dilemma in Africa, where nearly 600 million people (43%) remain without <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/crypto-mining-with-flare-gas-a-green-solution-or-environmental-setback/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">electricity</a>, startups are exploring innovative solutions. Gridless Compute, an African Bitcoin mining startup, stands out by harnessing the power of crypto-mining to electrify rural communities, according to <a href="https://bitcoinke.io/2023/10/electricity-and-bitcoin-mining-in-africa/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">bitcoinke</a>.
Instead of the conventional grid, villages are turning to renewable minigrids ranging between 20kW and 1MW. These smaller communities often miss out on power connections due to low consumption. Private power suppliers find it unprofitable to extend their services to areas with little demand.
The Green Africa Mining Alliance (GAMA) highlighted the need for minigrids in Africa to increase from 3,100 in 2021 to 160,000 by 2030. This would demand an investment of $91 billion over the next decade. Current development rates are lagging, potentially reaching only 44,800 minigrids by 2030.
However, Gridless presents a novel solution. Having secured a seed investment of $2 million in December 2022, the startup acts as the primary tenant for <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/crypto-mining-with-flare-gas-a-green-solution-or-environmental-setback/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">electricity</a> projects in these regions. It establishes Bitcoin mining stations to ensure a steady demand for power. In essence, Bitcoin mining guarantees a consistent energy demand even before the rest of the community connects.
Gridless collaborates with renewable, rural energy generators, helping them monetize their full capacity. This partnership ensures sustainability and offers the villages a reliable power buyer, creating win-win scenarios for both parties.
Interestingly, Bitcoin mines have a unique advantage. Their location-flexibility makes them perfect for rural settings, especially when the energy is free and uncontested. Gridless operates in Kenya and is affiliated with the Green Africa Mining Alliance, joining ranks with QRB in Ethiopia, Trojan Mining in Nigeria, and Sukuma Ventures in Kenya.
As Gridless emphasizes, as power demand in a village rises, the role of Bitcoin mining can be scaled down or even phased out, always ensuring the community's needs come first.

Gridless Taps into Bitcoin Mining to Light up African Villages

Ultramining_Eng

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