Pakistan proposes Bitcoin mining using surplus energy

The Pakistan Cryptocurrency Board caused a stir this week after proposing a bold proposal to mine Bitcoin using the country's surplus and unused energy sources.

This move, spearheaded by CEO Bilal Bin Saqib, represents a radical shift in Pakistan's policy, which previously banned cryptocurrency trading.

The purpose of the proposal

Harnessing wasted energy instead of wasting it. Transforming it into a new source of economic income through Bitcoin mining operations. Strengthening Pakistan's position as a new financial center based on blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies.

Why now?

Pakistan has a large youth population, with 60% of the population under the age of 30. The Council sees this demographic as a golden opportunity to embrace digital transformation and lead the way in digital finance globally.

Potential impact

Reshaping Pakistan's role in the global economy. Attracting investment, innovation, and increasing technology adoption. Transitioning from a consumer to a producer and influencer in the global digital economy.

How much energy is actually wasted in developing countries?

  • Global estimates indicate that about 15-30% of the energy produced in developing countries is wasted due to

  • Poor electrical infrastructure (lines, transformers)

  • Energy losses during transmission and distribution (T&D losses), sometimes reaching 40% in some African and Asian countries.

  • Excess nighttime or seasonal production of hydroelectric or solar energy without effective storage mechanisms.

Illustrative example
In India alone, more than 20% of the electricity produced annually is lost, equivalent to 70 terawatt-hours – enough to power massive mining farms.

What is the opportunity cost of this energy?

Opportunity cost = value of potential alternative use of discarded energy

Analysis if every 1 MWh is used for Bitcoin mining

Approximately 0.000025 BTC/hour can be produced (estimated depending on efficiency and hardware).
That equates to roughly $1.6–2/hour of direct mining income per megawatt (depending on the Bitcoin price and local electricity price).

But the real alternative opportunity includes:

Loss of opportunities to generate digital and investment income.
Losing the opportunity to boost the local digital economy.
Continued reliance on importing foreign currencies instead of generating local digital assets


Approximate figures

If 100 idle megawatts were exploited daily in a developing country:

Approximate daily return = $2,000.

Annual return = $730,000.

This is just from exploiting energy that was being wasted for free.

Deeper comparison
Wasted energy = wasted money + wasted economic opportunity + delayed digital transformation.

The bottom line.... Wasted energy is no longer a wasted luxury, but a digital asset that can be converted into Bitcoin.

#write2earn #SaylorBTCPurchase