Crypto News
| Published On Jan 23, 2022 1:55 am CET | By Peter Siu

EU Regulator “Misunderstands” Proof-of-Work Mining Used by Bitcoin

Share

The vice chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), Erik Thedéen, is reportedly calling for a ban on proof-of-work crypto mining activities due to the industry’s perceived high energy demands.

Speaking with the Financial Times, Thedéen, who is also the acting director general of Sweden’s financial services regulator Finansinspektionen, said Bitcoin mining had become a “national” issue for the Scandinavian country. He said:

“The solution is to ban proof-of-work. Proof-of-stake has a significantly lower energy profile.”

Thedéen nevertheless added that he is not in favor of a general ban on the crypto industry.

“We need to have a discussion about shifting the industry to a more efficient technology. The financial industry and a lot of large institutions are now active in cryptocurrency markets, and they have [environmental, social and governance] responsibilities.”

350% or 5BTC + 150 Spins!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of 350% + 150 Free Spins
Casino

Sweden’s Finansinspektionen advised in November of last year for a ban on energy-intensive crypto mining in a threefold proposal, providing the following explanation:

“Sweden needs the renewable energy targeted by crypto assets by crypto asset producers for the climate transition of our essential services, and increased use by miners threatens our ability to meet the Paris Agreement. Energy-intensive mining of crypto assets should therefore be prohibited.”

The crypto mining industry has become an easy target in the past year for its alleged immense use of energy demands. Claims which have been debunked and in addition do require better understanding of the mainstream audience what crypto, especially Bitcoin, really is about.

177% up to 5BTC + 77 Free Spins!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of 177% + 77 Free Spins
Casino

Peter Siu

Peter is a former poker-pro, turned crypto enthusiast with 8+ years’ experience in operational roles dealing with all online gaming verticals within large iGaming companies, including Flutter and Entain. Now an expert in the field of Sports Betting, Casino, iGaming, and Poker, he is our team leader and editor. When not working, Peter can be found in the gym or playing sports like football, tennis and more recently padel.