Bitcoin Miners Flock to Nuclear and Hydroelectric Power Plants for Cheap Energy

Bitcoin miners have long sought out cheap and reliable sources of energy to power their operations. In recent years, this trend has led many miners to set up shop near nuclear and hydroelectric power plants.

The appeal of these locations is twofold. Firstly, the power provided by these plants is often significantly cheaper than what can be found elsewhere, with rates as low as $0.02 per kilowatt-hour reportedly being offered at some facilities.

Secondly, nuclear and hydroelectric power are both considered low-carbon sources of energy, which helps to mitigate the environmental impact associated with cryptocurrency mining. This is particularly important in an industry that has faced criticism for its high energy consumption and carbon footprint.

The trend of miners setting up operations near nuclear and hydroelectric plants is not limited to just a few isolated instances. In fact, data from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance suggests that nuclear's share of Bitcoin's energy mix rose from around 4% in 2021 to roughly 10% in 2025.

One of the key benefits of this trend is that it allows miners to provide grid stability services. By co-locating with baseload generation, miners can help to absorb excess power during periods of high production and reduce the likelihood of curtailment.