Why is proof of work consensus considered an energy-intensive process in the world of digital currencies?

3 answers

• TuanHTJun 12, 2021 · 4 years ago
  Proof of work consensus is considered an energy-intensive process in the world of digital currencies because it requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems in order to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. This process involves a significant amount of computational power and electricity consumption. Miners compete with each other to solve these problems, and the first one to find the solution is rewarded with newly minted coins. The energy-intensive nature of proof of work consensus is a trade-off for the security and decentralization it provides to digital currencies.
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• Ibrahim MahmoudMay 02, 2021 · 4 years ago
  The energy-intensive nature of proof of work consensus in the world of digital currencies is due to the computational power required to solve complex mathematical problems. Miners use powerful hardware and consume a large amount of electricity to perform these calculations. This energy consumption is necessary to ensure the security and integrity of the blockchain. While there are ongoing efforts to develop more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms, proof of work remains the most widely used method in many digital currencies.
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• Sohail AhmedJan 07, 2024 · 2 years ago
  Proof of work consensus is considered an energy-intensive process in the world of digital currencies because it involves a large number of miners competing to solve complex mathematical problems. This competition requires a significant amount of computational power and electricity consumption. While the energy consumption of proof of work has been a topic of debate, it is important to note that it also provides security and immutability to digital currencies. As technology advances, there may be alternative consensus mechanisms that are more energy-efficient, but for now, proof of work remains the dominant method.
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