On September 25, the US Department of Energy (DOE) launched a pilot project to measure the greenhouse gas intensity of several industrial products, including steel. This move is a part of the Biden administration’s agenda to reduce emissions while boosting sustainable domestic manufacturing. By tracking emissions more effectively, the U.S. steel sector could gain a competitive edge over foreign competitors.
Notably, one key technology helping drive this change is the electric arc furnace, which operates without coal, unlike traditional blast furnaces. This shift aims to lower emissions in the U.S. steel industry which is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute Remarked,
“The pilot program is a step toward assessing the environmental footprint of industrial products and promoting the output of domestic producers.”
He further explained the US steel industry scenario to S&P Global Commodity Insights this way,
“We need a trade policy that ensures that all of the efforts being made domestically to invest in all this much cleaner production, which is expensive, is not undercut by imports of much dirtier but much cheaper steel from abroad. For that, we really need to have measurements on the average emissions intensity of the full range of steel products made in the US as a baseline to compare to the emissions intensity of steel products coming from overseas.”
Dempsey further highlighted that measuring average emissions could pave the way for a “border fee” that reflects the emissions intensity gap between domestic products and imports. This would prevent cheaper, high-emission imports from undercutting cleaner US-made steel.
Accurate Emissions Data Crucial for Investors
Fabio Passaro, a senior transition policy analyst at the Climate Bonds Initiative, noted that this initiative creates a strong opportunity for steel producers to lead in the race for greener steel. As regulators, investors, and consumers demand lower-emission products, early adopters of decarbonization could reap significant benefits.
Passaro, who recently authored a report on decarbonizing steel and cement for the G20’s Sustainable Finance Working Group, called the DOE’s pilot project a “great first step.” He emphasized that “you can’t decarbonize what you can’t measure.”
While the details are still being finalized, Passaro pointed out that accurate emissions data is increasingly essential for investors looking to avoid the risks associated with high-emission industries.
Currently, emissions data for the steel sector varies widely in availability and accuracy. Investors are wary of industries like steel due to potential risks, including stranded assets, as governments increasingly enforce stricter emissions regulations. Accurate data, transparency, and public availability are critical for addressing these concerns and encouraging investment in greener steel production.
Decarbonizing the steel industry is complex and costly but necessary. Passaro believes that with this pilot project, the US is prioritizing the decarbonization of the steel industry.
U.S. Steel Emissions Report
Source: United States Steel Corporation 2023 Sustainability Report
U.S. Steel’s Major Moves to Cut Emissions
Tracking emissions is one side of the story. Subsequently, it is equally important to combat steel emissions. In this regard, U.S. Steel is making significant progress in reducing emissions through recycling, energy efficiency, and advanced technologies.
Process Optimization and Renewable Energy
U.S. Steel is actively increasing efficiency in its operations through process optimization models, which enhance performance at existing steel mills. The company is also expanding its use of renewable energy sources, such as the Driver Solar project at Big River Steel Works. These initiatives demonstrate a growing commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing cleaner power options.
Innovating with Direct-Reduced Iron and Mini Mills
Direct-reduced iron (DRI) with natural gas is helping U.S. Steel cut back on carbon-intensive coal and coke. Plans to incorporate hydrogen into the DRI process will further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mini mills, such as those at Big River Steel Works, already rely on electric arc furnaces, which generate 70–80% fewer emissions than traditional blast furnaces. The company will expand its mini mill capabilities with the BR2 facility in late 2024.
Exploring Carbon Capture and Electrification
Emerging technologies like carbon capture are expected to play a key role in reducing U.S. Steel’s carbon footprint. Electrification and the use of batteries and hydrogen in place of carbon-based fuels are additional strategies to lower emissions.
With advancements in the electrical grid and a shift toward green energy, U.S. Steel anticipates reductions in both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Significantly, carbon offsets and credits will further bridge any remaining gaps in the company’s decarbonization efforts.
The U.S. aims to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035, a move that will significantly aid the decarbonization of heavy industries like steel and aluminum. It’s worth quoting that President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act allocates $369 billion to combat climate change and provides a strong foundation for cleaner industrial operations.
Leveraging Carbon Policies
According to Global Efficiency Intelligence, the U.S. steel industry can fully capitalize on its lower carbon intensity through policy measures like Border Carbon Adjustments and Carbon Tariffs. These policies would promote cleaner domestic production and support global decarbonization goals.
Additionally, initiatives like “Buy Clean” would boost the use of low-carbon steel in public projects, strengthening the industry’s competitiveness and reinforcing U.S. leadership in reducing emissions. Overall, it’s evident that U.S. Steel is taking serious steps to track and mitigate steel emissions to achieve the nation’s net-zero target.
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Carbon Footprint
Bitcoin Price Hits $124,000 Record High vs Ethereum Price Near $4,800: Which Crypto Is Greener?
Bitcoin price just smashed through $124,000 while Ethereum is closing in on its $4,800 record, fueling fresh excitement in the crypto market. But beyond price charts, the two blockchains have sharply different environmental footprints.
One still runs on an energy-hungry proof-of-work system, while the other has reinvented itself with a proof-of-stake model that slashes energy use by over 99%. The question for climate-minded investors: which crypto comes out greener? Let’s find out.
Crypto’s New Highs, Old Questions
Bitcoin price surged past $124,000 upon writing, setting a new all-time high. Analysts credit several factors:
- strong institutional buying,
- increased inflows into Bitcoin ETFs,
- favorable regulatory changes allowing crypto assets in 401(k) retirement accounts, and
- growing market optimism over expected Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
The rally reflects both a recovery from previous market downturns and a renewed appetite for digital assets among mainstream investors.
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is also on the rise. It is now approaching its all-time high of around $4,800, last seen in November 2021.
Investor sentiment is rising because of Ethereum’s role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT marketplaces. Its better environmental profile, thanks to the switch to a proof-of-stake (PoS) model, also helps.
With both tokens in focus, let’s look at their energy use and carbon footprint. This matters for investors and policymakers who care about their climate and environmental impact.
How Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work Consumes Energy
Bitcoin’s network runs on a process called proof-of-work (PoW). Miners around the world compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles. The first to solve it gets to add a block of transactions to the blockchain and earn newly minted Bitcoin. This process secures the network but demands enormous computing power.
That computing power uses a lot of electricity. Bitcoin’s annual energy use is estimated at about 138–178 terawatt-hours (TWh). This is similar to the electricity consumption of countries like Poland or Thailand, and even greater than Norway.
The carbon footprint is equally large, at around 40 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year. To put that into perspective, that’s similar to the emissions of Greece or Switzerland.
On a per-transaction basis, a single Bitcoin payment can use as much energy as a typical U.S. household does in one to two months.
Beyond electricity, Bitcoin mining also generates significant electronic waste. Specialized mining hardware, called ASICs, becomes obsolete quickly—often within two to three years—because faster, more efficient models keep being developed. This turnover contributes thousands of tonnes of e-waste annually.
Ethereum’s Post-Merge Energy Transformation
Before 2022, Ethereum also used proof-of-work, with high energy demands. But in September 2022, the network completed the Merge, switching to proof-of-stake.
Ethereum now uses validators instead of miners. These validators “stake” their ETH tokens as collateral. This helps confirm transactions and secure the network.
This change cut Ethereum’s energy use by over 99.9%. Today, the network consumes an estimated 2,600 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually—roughly 0.0026 TWh. That’s less electricity than a small town of 2,000 homes might use in a year.
The carbon footprint is also tiny compared to Bitcoin—under 870 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually. That’s about the same as the yearly emissions of 100 average U.S. households. In environmental terms, Ethereum has gone from being one of the largest blockchain energy consumers to one of the most efficient.
Beyond Electricity: Hidden Environmental Costs
While electricity use is the biggest factor, it’s not the only environmental concern for both cryptocurrencies. Here are the other environmental impacts:
- Water Use:
Large-scale Bitcoin mining facilities often require substantial cooling, which can consume millions of liters of water annually. This can put pressure on local water supplies, particularly in drought-prone regions. Ethereum’s low energy profile greatly reduces such needs. - Heat Output:
Mining facilities generate significant heat. In some cases, waste heat is reused for industrial or agricultural purposes, but in most situations, it is simply released into the environment, adding to local thermal loads. - Land and Infrastructure:
Bitcoin mining operations require large warehouses and access to high-capacity electrical infrastructure. This can limit available industrial space for other uses and put stress on local grids.
By using proof-of-stake, Ethereum avoids most of these impacts. It just needs standard server equipment. This can run in data centers with other low-impact computing tasks.
How the Industry Is Addressing Bitcoin’s Footprint
The crypto industry is aware of Bitcoin’s environmental challenges and is taking steps to address them. Some of the actions taken include:
- Renewable Mining: Some mining operations use only hydro, wind, or solar energy. This is common in areas with plenty of renewable resources.
- Waste Heat Recovery: A few miners capture and reuse waste heat for agriculture (e.g., greenhouse farming) or district heating systems.
- Carbon Offsetting: Companies and mining pools are buying carbon credits to offset emissions. However, how well this works depends on the quality of those credits.
- Policy Proposals: Governments may require Bitcoin miners to share their energy sources or meet renewable energy goals.
SEE MORE: Top 5 Sustainable Bitcoin Mining Companies To Watch Out For
While these efforts are promising, the core challenge remains: proof-of-work’s high energy requirement is built into Bitcoin’s security model.
Why This Matters for ESG-Minded Investors
For investors who care about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, the difference between Bitcoin and Ethereum is stark. Ethereum’s low-energy proof-of-stake model makes it easier to align with climate goals. Bitcoin’s high energy use and emissions, while partially mitigated by renewable adoption, remain a significant concern.
These factors may influence where ESG-focused funds allocate capital. Companies and institutions wanting exposure to blockchain technology without a large carbon footprint might prefer Ethereum or other PoS networks.
Bitcoin may still attract investors because of its market dominance and value as a store. However, it will likely keep facing environmental concerns.
The Road Ahead for Crypto and Climate
Bitcoin and Ethereum’s price rallies show that investor interest in crypto remains strong. As climate change and sustainability gain importance in policy and investment, environmental performance may play a larger role in the long-term value and acceptance of digital assets.
For now, Ethereum sets the standard for energy efficiency among major blockchains, while Bitcoin represents the ongoing challenge of balancing security, decentralization, and sustainability. Can Bitcoin cut its environmental impact without losing its key features? This will be an important question in the coming years.
The post Bitcoin Price Hits $124,000 Record High vs Ethereum Price Near $4,800: Which Crypto Is Greener? appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Carbon Footprint
ENGIE Lands $600M from World Bank Group and Investors to Boost Peru’s Renewable Energy
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, approved up to $600 million in funding to support ENGIE Energía Perú’s push into non-conventional renewable energy. Of that, $250 million is from the IFC itself, and an additional $350 million comes from other mobilized investors.
The financing structure is a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL), which links financial terms to performance goals. Let’s uncover where the funds will go and how this will help ENGIE’s net zero and climate goals.
Where Will the Money Go?
The goals of the fundraising are to expand renewable energy, support climate adaptation, and promote gender diversity initiatives. The first tranche of $120 million will immediately fund the acquisition and development of key renewable infrastructure.
The first installment will finance these three major projects:
- Expand the Intipampa Solar Plant: Increase capacity by 51.4 MW in Moquegua, boosting total solar output.
- Wind Farm Acquisitions: Acquire existing wind capacity of 36.8 MW at the Duna and Huambos sites.
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Develop or refinance the 26.5 MW Chilca battery system—the largest in Peru—to improve grid flexibility.
These investments help ENGIE reach its goal of adding 800 MW of non-conventional renewables in five years. This will transform the country’s energy mix.
ENGIE’s Power Play in Peru’s Energy Market
ENGIE Energía Perú (EEP) is a dominant force in Peru’s energy sector. By 2024, it was the biggest electricity generator in the country. It owned about 2,694 MW from ten plants. This made up 19% of Peru’s total installed capacity and around 14% of national production.
EEP’s renewable and conventional installations include:
- Punta Lomitas Wind Farm (296 MW), the largest in Peru.
- Expanded solar capacity with Intipampa.
- Hydro and gas-fired plants such as Chilca and Ilo.
- The Chilca BESS, launched in 2023 with an investment of approximately $20 million, demonstrates its adaptability and drive for stability.
Peru’s Renewable Wave: From Hydro to Solar Growth
Peru’s electricity mix is shifting. In 2024, renewables accounted for arond 59% of electricity, with breakdowns of hydroelectricity at almost 50%, wind at around 6%, solar at almost 2%, and biomass at 0.8%.
The country boasts significant untapped renewable potential:
- Hydropower: Installed capacity stands at 5.7 GW (2020), with untapped technical potential of ~70 GW.
- Renewables Market Growth: In 2022, Peru’s renewables sector generated 34,727 GWh, valued at around $900 million, with moderate annual growth in both output and value.
Looking ahead, an IFC study predicts that by 2050, wind and solar could make up 45% of installed capacity in the country. This growth will be backed by investments in grid storage, which will help improve system resilience.
Other big investments show regional growth. For instance, Spain’s Zelestra is investing $1–1.5 billion in Peru’s renewable energy. This will support mining operations with a pipeline of 1 GW capacity.
How The Loan Could Change Peru’s Grid
The $600 million SLL from IFC is more than capital; it’s a catalyst for renewable energy growth in Peru. The key benefits include:
Increased Clean Energy: The financing helps deliver over 100 MW of additional wind and solar capacity, plus the country’s largest BESS, enhancing energy diversification.
Climate Action: IFC estimates the Intipampa expansion alone will save 61,461 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year by displacing fossil-based electricity.
Grid Modernization: Energy storage fosters a more flexible, renewable-friendly grid and supports off-grid electrification in rural areas.
Market Confidence: The SLL’s structure signals investor belief in Peru’s green energy potential and supports broader regional ambitions.
ENGIE’s expansion is part of a broader wave of renewable growth in Latin America. In Peru, ENGIE’s projects contribute to the broader energy transition—and set an example for public-private collaboration in sustainable infrastructure.
More notably, it forms part of the energy giant’s net zero goals.
ENGIE’s Global Renewable Energy and Net-Zero Strategy
The company’s global stance reflects increasing corporate commitment to clean energy infrastructure. The infographics below shows ENGIE’s decarbonization ambitions.
Globally, ENGIE has positioned itself as a leader in the clean energy transition. It aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The company focuses on quickly increasing renewable energy capacity. It aims to phase out coal and expand energy storage solutions. This will help integrate more variable renewables.
By 2025, ENGIE targets 50 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity worldwide, growing to 80 GW by 2030. This expansion focuses on wind, solar, hydro, and green hydrogen projects, supported by digital tools for efficiency and performance monitoring.
ENGIE has cut its direct emissions (Scope 1) by over 40% from 2017 to 2024. This change came mainly from retiring coal assets and switching to clean energy. Below is the company’s 2024 carbon footprint.
The company is investing in large energy storage, aiming for 10 GW of battery capacity by 2030. This will help keep the grid stable as more renewable energy comes online.
ENGIE’s climate roadmap includes Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation, ensuring its emissions reduction pathway aligns with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal.
These global efforts reinforce ENGIE’s operations in Peru, showing how the company’s local renewable expansions contribute to a broader, coordinated push toward a carbon-neutral energy system worldwide.
Moreover, ENGIE supports strong carbon pricing policies and systems that encourage investment in low-emission technologies, energy efficiency, and reduced energy use.
As part of its path to net zero, the company plans to carry out internal carbon absorption projects and use carbon removal credits. These credits will follow the Integrity Council’s ten principles, with a focus on transparency, proving real additional impact, and ensuring that reductions last over time.
With IFC’s backing, ENGIE Energía Perú is poised to expand its renewable energy footprint significantly. The financing supports solar expansion, wind farm acquisition, and advanced energy storage. This boosts Peru’s clean energy pipeline, strengthening grid reliability, and contributing to national sustainability targets.
As Peru works toward a greener energy future, ENGIE’s investments may become a model for transformative growth across Latin America.
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France is weighing a bold proposal to use surplus nuclear energy in Bitcoin mining, turning unused power into millions in revenue. The five-year pilot is backed by the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party. It would use EDF (Électricité de France)’s excess electricity during low-demand hours, with heat reuse systems warming homes and greenhouses.
If approved, it could make France the first EU nation to weave crypto mining into its official energy strategy.
From Waste to Wealth: The Surplus Power Plan
France’s far-right party, RN, is backing a bold plan that could repurpose surplus nuclear electricity to power Bitcoin mining. MP Aurélien Lopez-Liguori introduced an initiative for a five-year pilot program. It aims to use excess energy from EDF-run nuclear plants for crypto mining.
The pilot allows Bitcoin mining to run only when nuclear energy is more than needed, like at night. This way, it uses power that would otherwise be wasted. Developers say one gigawatt of extra nuclear power could make $100–150 million in BTC revenue each year.
The plan also includes heat reuse systems that will capture waste heat from mining rigs. The heat can then warm homes, greenhouses, or industrial facilities. This model is already in use across Scandinavia.
Why Nuclear? France’s Energy Context
France, the EU’s top nuclear energy producer, gets over 70% of its electricity from nuclear plants. This amounts to 338,000 GWh each year. However, during low-demand periods, power supply often surpasses consumption.
France occasionally sells extra power at negative prices. Sometimes, it even pays for nearby countries to take this power, leading to losses of hundreds of millions. Bitcoin mining offers a way to monetize this surplus and ease grid stress.
Mining rigs can quickly adjust their load, providing a flexible buffer that stabilizes grid operations. This strategy supports wider energy transition goals. It helps manage inflexible nuclear output more effectively.
Political 180: From Crypto Ban to Bitcoin Boost
This move marks a dramatic shift in RN’s stance on crypto. In 2016, Marine Le Pen condemned cryptocurrencies as elitist tools and pledged to ban them. By 2022, she softened her position to support regulation. In 2025, she supports Bitcoin mining as a smart economic tool. This shows a wider trend of political practicality.
However, not all RN lawmakers agree. Jean-Philippe Tanguy, the party’s finance chief, argues that Bitcoin undermines centralized monetary control.
Meanwhile, the left and green parties oppose the plan due to its environmental impact, pointing to Bitcoin’s intensive energy use. Approval will require navigating internal party splits and environmental scrutiny.
Potential Benefits and Concerns
Supporters of the proposal see several clear advantages. First, surplus nuclear power can generate revenue. Estimates show it could bring in $100–150 million each year for every 1 GW of excess output.
Second, bitcoin mining facilities can be a flexible load for the grid. They absorb extra electricity when demand is low. Then, they can power down fast when demand rises. This helps stabilize the system.
Third, the heat generated by mining rigs could be captured and reused to warm buildings or support greenhouse agriculture. This improves overall energy efficiency.
However, critics raise valid concerns:
- Environmental impact: Despite cleaner power, increased Bitcoin mining still uses heavy energy. The chart above shows that Bitcoin alone utilizes more power than most countries.
- Regulatory challenges: The proposal needs strong legal and policy backing—June’s similar amendment failed on procedural grounds.
- Public perception: Tying climate-smart infrastructure to crypto may provoke resistance.
INTERESTING READ: The Energy Debate: How Bitcoin Mining, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency Shape Our Carbon Future
Global Trends: Nuclear Meets Bitcoin Mining
This move in France aligns with growing interest worldwide in matching crypto mining with low-carbon energy. Here are some major facts to know:
- Clean Energy Uptake: More than 52% of global Bitcoin mining now runs on sustainable energy. Of this, about 11% comes from nuclear sources.
- Fuel Mix Shifts: Coal and gas once dominated Bitcoin’s electricity supply. But the share of nuclear has roughly doubled from 4% in 2021 to over 11%.
- Energy Use Scale: Bitcoin mining is energy-intensive—estimated at 176–180 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually, on par with national consumption by countries like Poland or Egypt.
- Hashrate Surge: The Bitcoin network’s computing power, or hashrate, continues to rise. As of May 2025, it exceeded 831 exahashes per second (EH/s), a 77% jump from its 2024 low.
- Adaptation to Costs: With mining profitability squeezed, miners seek cheap, stable energy like nuclear to stay competitive.
Analysts at ScottMadden argued that Bitcoin mining paired with nuclear energy offers a compelling value proposition—a clean energy use case that could diversify utility income. The business case has only grown stronger as Bitcoin prices rose from about $9,275 in 2020 to over $47,000 by 2021.
France isn’t alone in exploring this pairing. Studies suggest that Bitcoin mining might use extra power wisely. This could cut waste and help the grid stay flexible. For example, South Korean researchers found surplus electricity could be a new revenue stream for the power utility while stabilizing the grid.
Moreover, academic models propose a zero-emissions energy system. This system combines nuclear power with crypto-mining. In this setup, mining serves as a flexible load that helps balance demand. Also, many devices around the world already rely on constant nuclear power.
The Road Ahead: Regulation, Revenue, and Resistance
If the pilot moves forward, EDF and lawmakers would need to finalize guidelines, site mining hubs near existing infrastructure, and ensure regulatory oversight. A six-month feasibility review by the French Council of State is planned, followed by expansion if the pilot succeeds.
When that happens, France could become the first EU nation to legally integrate Bitcoin mining into its energy roadmap. It could turn an economic burden—unused power—into a revenue stream while mitigating grid stress. This would spark debate across Europe—might other nuclear-rich countries follow suit?
From a crypto standpoint, the move elevates mining from underground activity to a strategic industrial asset, redefining its role in the energy economy.
However, the plan still faces political, environmental, and technical hurdles. Yet, as the proposal gains traction, it may shape how nations view the intersection of crypto, energy policymaking, and sustainability.
The post France Eyes Bitcoin Mining Powered by Surplus Nuclear Energy appeared first on Carbon Credits.
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