YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — A 2021 Wall Street Journal report revealed an unexpected transformation in the energy sector. Idle power plants in New York and Montana are being used for Bitcoin mining. This pivot comes as fossil fuel plants face shutdowns, while the renewable energy sector rises. Bitcoin Magazine reported that the Bitcoin mining industry generated over $2 billion in transaction fees and block rewards in March.
Bitcoin Mines Repurpose Power Plants: Granbury’s New Reality
The U.S. Energy Information Administration noted 137 Bitcoin mining facilities as of February 2024.
These facilities are converting idle power plants into mining operations. One such site is in Granbury, Texas, where Marathon Digital Holdings operates a Bitcoin mine at the Wolf Hollow II gas plant.
Granbury Residents Plagued by Bitcoin Mine Noise
Residents near the Granbury facility are experiencing significant distress. The mine began operation in 2021 after Constellation Energy signed an agreement to power the Bitcoin mining site. The facility includes 163 metal containers with over 30,000 computers. These machines require massive amounts of electricity and cooling, resulting in continuous noise from thousands of fans.
The noise from the facility has reached up to 91 decibels, similar to a lawnmower. OSHA mandates ear protection for environments averaging 85 decibels over eight hours. Over 40 residents report health issues such as heart palpitations, vertigo, migraines, and panic attacks due to the constant noise.
Marathon Digital to Mitigate Mine Noise in Granbury
Marathon Digital Holdings announced plans to reduce noise. By the end of the year, they aim to convert 50% of the site’s air-cooled containers to immersion cooling. This method involves submerging the components in liquid to cool them, potentially lowering the noise levels.
While federal noise regulations exist, local governments can set their own limits. In Texas, noise is deemed “unreasonable” when it exceeds 85 decibels. The Granbury situation highlights the challenges of repurposing industrial sites for new technologies.
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