Bitcoin Mining Could Help Solve Europe’s Solar Power Glut, Says Bitmain Founder Jihan Wu

Bitmain founder Jihan Wu proposed using Bitcoin mining as a flexible, immediate buyer for Europe’s surplus solar power, arguing miners can rapidly ramp consumption to absorb curtailed generation and improve returns for solar operators. The idea could reframe Bitcoin’s energy narrative—shifting it from an environmental liability to a grid-balancing partner—if miners primarily use otherwise-wasted renewables. Pilot examples in Texas, where miners join demand-response programs, are cited as precedents. Broad adoption could aid renewable integration without massive upfront storage investment, but regulatory variability across EU states, mining economics tied to BTC prices and fees, and policy restrictions remain obstacles. The proposal has implications for energy markets, renewable project economics, and crypto adoption.