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Texas lawmakers are raising alarms that the energy demands of Bitcoin mining could destabilize the state's electric grid, with peak demand projected to soar from 85,000 MW in 2023 to 150,000 MW by 2030. The rapid growth of Bitcoin mines, which already consume as much power as the entire city of Austin, has prompted fears of blackouts during extreme weather, according to <a href="https://ultramining.com/">Ultramining.com</a>. 
Cryptocurrency mining operations, particularly Bitcoin, are expanding aggressively across Texas due to low taxes, abundant land, and a deregulated energy market. These mines now draw 2,600 MW from the grid, with another 2,600 MW approved. This surge in demand has sparked concerns among state officials that the grid could be pushed to the brink, especially during heatwaves or cold spells when Texans are often asked to conserve electricity. 
Lawmakers, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, have criticized the industry for its massive energy consumption and minimal job creation. Patrick warned that allowing <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/russias-bitcoin-gold-rush-mining-machine-influx-outpaces-rest-of-the-world/">Bitcoin miners</a> to continue unchecked could result in the "Wild Wild West" of data centers crashing the grid and plunging the state into darkness. The potential for blackouts is heightened by the unpredictable nature of Bitcoin mining operations, which can either consume vast amounts of power or sell it back to the grid at a profit during peak demand. 
As Texas braces for unprecedented growth in electricity usage, the debate over the future of Bitcoin mining in the state intensifies. With lawmakers increasingly wary of the industry's impact on the grid, the coming years may see new regulations aimed at curbing the energy consumption of these high-demand facilities.

Texas Lawmakers Warn Bitcoin Mines Could Overload Electric Grid

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