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Ethereum cryptocurrency delays emissions-slashing upgrade again

Ethereum is using almost as much electricity as Ecuador, according to a new analysis, and a long-awaited upgrade to slash its energy use has been delayed once again

By Matthew Sparkes

15 December 2021

coal power plant

A coal-fired power plant in Germany

Hans Blossey/Alamy

A long-awaited upgrade to the Ethereum cryptocurrency network which could slash its energy consumption by 99 per cent has been delayed once more, as a new report reveals that it is using 23 terawatt hours of electricity annually – only slightly less than Ecuador, a country of 18 million people.

Kyle McDonald, an artist who incorporates technology into his work, has now published perhaps the most in-depth research on the energy use of the network.

The cryptocurrency has consumed a total of 39 terawatt hours since it launched in July 2015 according to…

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