Bitcoin hashrate hits record 780 EH/s as energy debate grows

Bitcoin’s network hashrate has climbed to a record 780 EH/s, according to Reuters, underscoring the scale and competitiveness of the world’s largest cryptocurrency mining system. The new peak reflects continued expansion in computing power devoted to securing the network.

The milestone has also renewed scrutiny of proof-of-work mining’s energy demands. Critics argue that Bitcoin’s security model consumes vast amounts of electricity, while supporters say miners increasingly rely on cheaper or stranded energy sources and that efficiency has improved over time.

The record comes as Bitcoin prices remain volatile, a factor that can squeeze miner margins even when network activity is strong. Higher hashrate can signal confidence in the network, but it also raises the difficulty and cost of mining new blocks.

The latest surge highlights a familiar tension in the crypto sector: stronger network security and growing industrial-scale investment on one side, and persistent concerns over electricity use, emissions, and profitability on the other.