Skip to main content

El Salvado Mines Dollars Using Bitcoin Proceeds

El Salvador Mines 474 Bitcoin Worth $29 Million with Volcano-Fueled Geothermal Power

By: Robert Buluma

El Salvador is revolutionizing cryptocurrency mining by harnessing the natural power of its volcanoes. Since 2021, the Central American nation has mined an impressive 474 Bitcoins using geothermal energy derived from the Tecapa volcano, valued at approximately $29 million at current Bitcoin prices.  

A Renewable Energy-Powered Breakthrough  

This groundbreaking initiative is part of El Salvador’s larger strategy to merge cryptocurrency with renewable energy. Geothermal energy, which accounts for 25% of the country's electricity production, plays a crucial role in powering these operations. The state-owned geothermal company, LaGeo, operates two major plants that generate a combined 204 megawatts of power. From this capacity, 1.5 megawatts are used to sustain the mining of Bitcoin, a process often criticized globally for its energy consumption and environmental impact.  

By relying on clean and renewable geothermal energy, El Salvador not only minimizes the carbon footprint of its mining activities but also demonstrates how cryptocurrencies can align with sustainable energy goals.  

Boosting the National Treasury  

The 474 Bitcoins mined so far add to El Salvador’s growing digital assets. The country already holds 5,944.77 Bitcoins in its treasury, valued at over $583 million. This additional $29 million from mining further strengthens its Bitcoin reserves and showcases the economic potential of renewable energy-powered mining.  

Visionary Leadership and Future Plans  

President Nayib Bukele, a prominent advocate of Bitcoin, envisions turning El Salvador into a global hub for cryptocurrency innovation. Beyond the current operations, the government is advancing the development of "Bitcoin City," a futuristic metropolis powered entirely by geothermal energy. This city, located near a volcano, will feature residential and commercial zones, an airport, and port and rail services—all with no taxes except for value-added tax (VAT).  

Building on the success of its geothermal Bitcoin mining venture, President Bukele has proposed a "rent your volcano" program. This initiative would allow international crypto mining companies to lease access to the country's volcanic geothermal resources. With 170 volcanoes, El Salvador has vast untapped potential to expand its renewable energy-powered cryptocurrency industry.   

A Model for Sustainable Cryptocurrency Mining  

El Salvador’s innovative approach sets a global example for integrating renewable energy into cryptocurrency mining. While critics of Bitcoin often highlight the environmental toll of mining, El Salvador’s model provides a sustainable alternative, proving that clean energy and digital currencies can coexist. 

 KenGen earlier on had hinted on doing the same as Elsalvado however we are yet to ascertain its authenticity or whether it was a wild goose chase following a botched Central Bank move

El Salvador’s achievement of mining 474 Bitcoins worth $29 million using volcano-fueled geothermal power showcases the country’s commitment to renewable energy and technological advancement. As it continues to explore creative ways to leverage its volcanic resources, El Salvador is not just mining Bitcoin—it’s pioneering a new era of sustainable cryptocurrency mining that other nations may soon follow.  

Source:Vivek For Real On X , Elsalvado Geothermal mines

Connect With Us:LinkedIn ,X

Comments

Hot Topics

Driving the Heat Transition in Hanover with Eavor Technology

  A Climate-Neutral Future for Hanover’s District Heating By: Robert Buluma The city of Hanover is taking a bold step toward a climate-friendly future with the implementation of an innovative geothermal energy project by Eavor in collaboration with enercity.  This groundbreaking initiative aims to cover 15 to 20 percent of Hanover’s district heating needs using cutting-edge Eavor-Loop™ technology, significantly reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants and advancing the city's heat transition goals. The Hanover Geothermal Project: A Game Changer for District Heating Eavor is developing two Eavor-Loops™ in the Lahe district, each with a heat output of 15 MW. Once operational, this system will generate up to 250 million kilowatt hours of geothermal energy annually. This is equivalent to supplying heat for approximately 20,000 homes within the enercity supply area, ensuring a stable, renewable, and climate-neutral energy source. Replacing Coal with Sustainable Geothermal Energ...

Sanko Energi Announces Record-Breaking Discovery: Turkey’s Hottest Geothermal Production Well at 308°C

In a major breakthrough for renewable energy in Turkey, Sanko Energi has announced the successful discovery of what is now being hailed as Turkey’s hottest geothermal production well reaching an astonishing 308 degrees Celsius.  By:  Robert Buluma This record-setting temperature not only underlines the immense potential of Turkey’s geothermal resources but also marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s sustainable energy journey. A New Chapter in Turkey’s Geothermal Revolution Turkey has long been recognized as a geothermal powerhouse, thanks to its unique geological structure and abundant geothermal reservoirs. The discovery of a production well reaching 308°C by Sanko Energi pushes the limits of what was previously thought possible and signals a promising future for the country’s renewable energy sector. Key Highlights of the Discovery: Unprecedented Temperature: At 308°C, this well sets a new record for geothermal production in Turkey. Enhanced Production Potential: ...

Geothermal Energy: The Rising Powerhouse in the Clean Energy Transition

The global energy sector is undergoing a radical transformation, with clean, reliable, and sustainable power sources taking center stage. By: Robert Buluma Among these, geothermal energy stands out as an underutilized but highly promising resource that offers baseload power generation with near-zero carbon emissions.   The rise of advanced geothermal technologies has attracted significant investments, especially from big tech companies seeking sustainable energy solutions for their energy-intensive AI data centers. One such company making headlines is XGS Energy, a geothermal startup that recently closed a $13 million equity bridge round and is preparing for a $60 million to $100 million growth round.   This article explores how XGS Energy and other enhanced geothermal system (EGS) startups are revolutionizing the sector, unlocking geothermal energy potential beyond traditional hotspots, and why investors and technology giants are betting big on this clean energy rev...

JOGMEC Calls for Proposals on Microseismic Technology for Geothermal Exploration

Advancing Geothermal Exploration Through Passive Seismic Techniques By: Robert Buluma The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) has launched a competitive tender inviting qualified firms to contribute to a groundbreaking technological development project. This initiative focuses on refining microseismic array technology to enhance geothermal exploration, providing a cost-effective and adaptable method for identifying potential geothermal resources. Interested applicants have until April 21, 2025 , to submit their proposals. This initiative is part of JOGMEC’s ongoing commitment to advancing geothermal energy through innovative exploration methods. The project, titled "High-Efficiency High-Density Geothermal Exploration Technology – Development of a New Exploration Method Using Elastic Waves," seeks to optimize the detection of geothermal reservoirs by leveraging passive seismic sources. The Role of Microseismic Technology in Geothermal Exploration Tr...

Fervo Energy’s Potential IPO: A Turning Point for Geothermal Energy

The geothermal energy sector is witnessing a significant transformation , and Fervo Energy is at the forefront of this change.  By: Robert Buluma The innovative geothermal startup, known for integrating oil and gas drilling techniques into geothermal energy production, is considering an initial public offering (IPO) as early as next year. This potential move comes at a time when energy demand from data centers is skyrocketing , driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the ever-expanding digital economy. The global push for clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions is creating an unprecedented opportunity for geothermal energy to emerge as a mainstream renewable power source . With substantial financial backing, strategic partnerships, and groundbreaking technology , Fervo Energy is reshaping how geothermal energy is developed and deployed. This article explores Fervo’s journey, its technological innovations, the impact of its IPO on the clean energy market...

Vulcan's Electric Rig Set To Extract Upper Rhine Grabens Lithium From Geothermal Brine

Unlocking the Power of Geothermal Brine: Vulcan’s Lithium Revolution By: Robert Buluma Image Credit: Worksite on Unsplash Harnessing Geothermal Brine for a Sustainable Future The demand for lithium is skyrocketing as the world shifts toward electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. Vulcan Energy is at the forefront of this revolution with its ambitious Phase One project, "Lionheart,"which aims to extract lithium hydroxide monohydrate from deep within the Earth's crust. But what makes Vulcan’s approach groundbreaking?   By utilizing hot, lithium-rich geothermal brine from the Upper Rhine Graben, Vulcan is not just producing lithium but also generating clean energybsetting a new benchmark for sustainable lithium extraction.   Vulcan’s “Lionheart” Project: A Game-Changer for Lithium Production Vulcan Energy’s "Lionheart" project is a pioneering initiative that will produce 24,000 tons of lithium hydroxide monohydrate annually, a critical component for EV batter...

Eavor and SLB Partners To Develop Eavor Loop Technology

Eavor  & SLB : Unlocking a Revolution in Clean Energy Production By:  Robert Buluma Image: The SLB & Eavor Team at Geretsried Imagine a world where energy is not only clean but also consistent, dependable, and accessible worldwide. This vision is becoming a reality, thanks to an innovative partnership between  Eavor Technologies and  SLB (formerly Schlumberger). Together, they are pioneering a groundbreaking approach to harnessing renewable energy, promising to redefine how we produce and consume power and heat. At the heart of this collaboration lies Eavor 's revolutionary technology, the Eavor-Loop™, a closed-loop geothermal system that is unlike anything seen before. The partnership reached a critical milestone recently at Getesried, the home of the first commercial Eavor-Loop™, where the SLB and Eavor teams met to celebrate this transformative project. What Is the Eavor-Loop™? The Eavor -Loop™ is a closed-loop geothermal system that eliminates the tradi...

Green Tech International Powers Up Geothermal Innovation with Successful IPO on Bucharest Stock Exchange

Green Tech International: Powering the Future of Geothermal Energy with a Successful IPO  By: Robert Buluma Bucharest, February 10, 2025 – Green Tech International S.A. (BVB ticker: GREEN), a trailblazer in geothermal energy solutions and the owner of one of Europe’s largest portfolios of deep geothermal wells, has announced the triumphant completion of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. With shares priced at RON 15.00 (approximately EUR 3 per share), the company now boasts a market valuation of RON 1199 million (EUR 241 million). Trading officially kicked off on February 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the renewable energy sector.   Geothermal has been mincing companies long money and just recently we showcased how KenGen had surpassed its previous financial rakings with Geothermal being a key factor. This IPO unlocks access to an impressive EUR 135 million Subscription Facility from GEM Global Yield LLC SCS, a leading investm...

Mori Geothermal Binary Power Plant A Venture of Ormat, SFE Engineering Corp and Tokyo Century Corporation:

In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, the Mori Binary Power Plant stands tall as a testament to innovation and collaboration. Jointly developed by JFE Engineering Corp. and Tokyo Century Corporation, this cutting-edge geothermal facility is a result of a fruitful partnership with Ormat Technologies. The Mori Binary Power Plant now proudly claims its spot as the fourth geothermal power plant in Japan, generating a robust 2 megawatts (MW) of clean power. ### Harnessing the Earth's Heat Geothermal power harnesses the Earth's natural heat to generate electricity, and the Mori Binary Power Plant takes this concept to new heights. Situated in a region blessed with geothermal potential, this plant taps into the Earth's internal heat through advanced binary cycle technology. The collaboration with Ormat Technologies, a renowned player in the geothermal energy sector, ensures that the Mori Binary Power Plant employs state-of-the-art solutions for maximum efficiency. ##...

Geothermal Projects In Africa, Countries Overview

 Geothermal Projects in Africa: Country-wise Overview By : Robert Buluma Africa is increasingly turning to geothermal energy as a sustainable solution to meet its growing electricity demands. With abundant geothermal resources spread across the continent, several countries have embarked on ambitious projects to harness this clean and renewable energy source. Let's delve into the geothermal projects in various African countries, highlighting key players and prospects. Algeria Algeria is exploring its geothermal potential, particularly in the northern regions. Although in the early stages, initiatives are underway to assess feasibility and potential locations for geothermal power plants.  Burundi Burundi has shown interest in developing its geothermal resources, primarily in the northwest region near Lake Tanganyika. The government is actively seeking partnerships with international firms to kickstart exploration and development efforts. Comoros The Comoros Islands are situated ...