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GHash Mining drives African microgrid development through buildup of small cryptocurrency datacentres
GHash Mining , is a technology-driven cryptocurrency mining company with a vision to create sustainable value across the cryptocurrency industry . Diversified business covers cryptocurrency mining , mining pools , and datacentre operations .
Mini-grids will become increasingly important in bridging the energy access gap that still exists , especially in remote rural areas . In 2010 , there were approximately 500 microgrid installations in sub-Saharan Africa .
Although the number has increased significantly , there is still greater acceleration . There are currently over 3,000 installations . According to one estimate , World Bank , 2023 , more than 160,000 mini-grids are reportedly needed to meet access needs .
GHash Mining is changing the game by using cryptocurrency mining to help electrify the continent . GHash Mining has established 25 small cryptocurrency datacentres across the continent to supplement mini-grids . These mini-grids are critical to delivering power to rural communities that are far from the central grid .
The plan to build 140 small cryptocurrency datacentres is expected to be completed in 2024 . Cryptocurrency mining operations can generate profits for investors , which can then be reinvested back into the mini-grid to expand its coverage and scale .
Energy developers do not have to deal with excess stranded energy based on future community needs . Financial Sustainability Collocated mini-grids and small Bitcoin datacentres can see financial ROI immediately upon commissioning .
Miners provide energy developers with consistent , predictable , and paid energy needs , narrowing the gap in risk-return expectations between energy developers and financiers . As primary customers ,
Bitcoin mining datacentres provide initial and ongoing power needs , turning mini-grids into profitable enterprises even during the critical initial stages .
This new financing model justifies the large initial capital outlay of renewable energy infrastructure , while the demand unleashed by Bitcoin miners benefits households and businesses that previously lacked access to electricity .
Bitcoin mining datacentres facilitate sustainable and profitable private investment needed to power hundreds of millions of households in Africa currently living in darkness . The development of microgrids can help provide electricity to rural communities , thereby boosting economic development and improving education and health outcomes . At the same time , cryptocurrency mining operations can generate profits for investors , which can then be reinvested back into the mini-grid to expand its coverage and scale .
The International Renewable Energy Agency , IRENA , an intergovernmental organisation that supports African countries , noted in its Annual Review of Renewable Energy and Jobs 2023 that Kenya plays a significant role in the region , deploying mini-grids across Africa . A big part of it is their transition to a sustainable energy future .
Commercial financiers often view minigrids as not worth the investment . They are not economically sustainable under the current funding model , particularly as community energy demand remains low so soon after commissioning . Huge capital expenditures are the reason the dominant model for energy development in Africa to date has been through concessional funding , donations , grants and low-cost debt . p
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