A solo Bitcoin miner recently struck gold by successfully mining an entire block worth 3.125 BTC – earning over $347,000 in rewards.
Yet, behind this rare win, the broader Bitcoin mining industry is entering a complex new phase shaped by energy reforms, surging costs, and a pivot toward artificial intelligence.
The U.S. government is now moving to make large-scale power connections faster and easier. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has formally urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to design new rules that allow major electricity consumers, including AI data centers and Bitcoin mining firms, to connect directly to the nation’s high-voltage transmission grid.
In his letter, Wright described the surge in national power demand as “extraordinary,” pointing to the growing number of large commercial and industrial facilities now requiring direct access to high-capacity grids. He asked FERC to create a standardized and expedited review process that could approve connections within just 60 days, provided applicants agree to cover any upgrade costs.
Why Bitcoin Miners Stand to Gain
Bitcoin miners, whose rigs require vast amounts of electricity to process transactions and secure the network, could be among the biggest beneficiaries of this reform. CleanSpark CEO S. Matthew Schultz said the proposed framework would allow “flexible loads like Bitcoin mining and data centers” to connect faster and help stabilize grid demand.
Such policy changes could significantly reshape how miners operate in the United States. Direct grid access may reduce energy bottlenecks that have long constrained expansion, particularly in renewable-rich regions. It could also enhance the competitiveness of U.S. miners, who face mounting challenges following the April 2024 halving, which slashed block rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC.
Costs Climb, Margins Shrink
According to JPMorgan analysts led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, the average cost of mining one Bitcoin currently sits near $92,000 and could rise to $180,000 after the next halving in 2028. That figure far exceeds Bitcoin’s current trading price of around $109,700, highlighting the growing pressure on mining profitability.
The report noted that power contract renewals, hardware upgrades, and soaring energy costs are squeezing smaller operators, while larger firms are diversifying into more stable, high-margin ventures such as AI computing. This strategic pivot has already caused mining stocks to decouple from Bitcoin’s price performance.
From Crypto Mines to AI Hubs
Publicly listed Bitcoin miners have seen their market capitalizations surge since July, even as Bitcoin’s price moved sideways. JPMorgan attributed this divergence to the growing role of artificial intelligence in mining operations. Once viewed purely as proxies for Bitcoin exposure, these companies are now being revalued by investors based on their AI potential rather than their crypto output.
The move into AI infrastructure offers miners an additional revenue stream and a hedge against the volatile crypto cycle. As more companies allocate capacity to AI computation, the overall Bitcoin network hashrate growth could slow – potentially easing upward pressure on mining costs in the long term.
A Competitive Energy Race Ahead
With the Department of Energy pushing for faster access to the national grid, the competition for cheap and sustainable energy between Bitcoin miners and AI data centers is expected to intensify. Wright has requested FERC to finalize its response to the proposal by April 30, 2026, signaling that the next year could redefine how large-scale computing infrastructure connects to America’s power system.
For now, while a few solo miners still manage extraordinary wins, the broader landscape shows that success in Bitcoin mining will increasingly depend on innovation, efficiency, and energy access rather than pure luck.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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Source: https://coindoo.com/bitcoin-mining-faces-a-new-era-us-power-reforms-rising-costs-and-the-ai-shift/
