Marathon Digital, a prominent Bitcoin mining company, has initiated a groundbreaking pilot project in Utah. This project harnesses methane gas emitted from landfill waste as a potent energy source to fuel their Bitcoin mining operations.

The company’s recent press release reveals its partnership with Nodal Power, a renewable energy asset firm, to launch a 280-kilowatt mining venture powered exclusively by methane gas. This initiative is part of Marathon Digital’s broader commitment to exploring the capture of landfill-generated methane, its conversion into electricity, and the utilization of this electricity to operate Bitcoin mining rigs.

Fred Thiel, Chairman and CEO of Marathon, highlighted the significant advantages of this endeavor in the press release. Methane, a highly harmful greenhouse gas, can be harnessed for productive purposes.

“At Marathon, we are continually seeking innovative ways to diversify our operations, reduce energy costs, and leverage the unique characteristics of Bitcoin mining to enhance the environments in which we operate,” stated Thiel. “By capturing methane emitted from landfills and converting it into electricity to power our Bitcoin miners, we may have an opportunity to accomplish all of those goals simultaneously.”

Thiel expressed his commitment to expanding their presence in this field and assisting landfill operators in achieving their environmental objectives if the pilot project yields promising results.

Methane gas, as highlighted by the United Nations Environment Programme, is significantly more detrimental to the environment than carbon dioxide, with effects persisting for over two decades after its release. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 15% of methane emissions in the United States in 2021 originated from solid waste sources.

Thiel emphasized the stranded nature of methane naturally produced in landfills and other sources. Bitcoin miners, including Marathon, are uniquely positioned to transform this harmful gas into a productive and environmentally friendly energy source.

Given that electricity generation constitutes a substantial portion of mining expenses, mining companies have been exploring alternative energy sources to address greenhouse emission concerns. Notably, last year, BTC miner Crusoe Energy secured $350 million in funding to establish remote facilities that convert otherwise wasted natural gas into a power source for mining. In a similar vein, renewable energy company Vespene Energy raised $4.3 million to convert landfill methane into Bitcoin, showcasing the growing momentum in this innovative approach.

Marathon Digital, looking to enhance its mining capabilities, recently unveiled plans to raise up to $750 million through a hybrid equity offering. This ambitious move reflects the company’s dedication to investing in new mining equipment and expanding its operational capacity, marking a significant step forward in the world of Bitcoin mining.