A bitcoin mining operation in Columbus is looking to expand its operations after successfully establishing itself as a significant user of excess electricity capacity from the city's utility company, Columbus Light and Water (CLW).
The facility, owned by LM Funding America Inc., has been running since September with over 2,000 specialized computers that mine the digital cryptocurrency. The operation draws around 7.5 megawatts of electricity but has the infrastructure in place to reach a full capacity of 11 megawatts.
'We run thousands of these computers,' said Todd Liebel, vice president of LM Funding's U.S. Digital Mining and Hosting Co. subsidiary. 'They're basically just boxes with fans on them, and most of the day is just keeping these computers online and working.'