Summary:
IMF economists warn of crypto mining and AI data centers' rising environmental impact.
Projected global electricity consumption could reach 3.5% by 2027.
Targeted electricity tax proposed to curb emissions by 100 million tons annually.
Potential government revenue from the tax could reach $5.2 billion globally.
Critics argue the tax may hinder crypto industry's growth.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) economists have raised alarms over the environmental impact of crypto mining and AI data centers, predicting that global electricity consumption could soar to 3.5% by 2027, consequently increasing carbon emissions. In their recent blog post, economists Shafik Hebous and Nate Vernon-Lin outline their proposal for a targeted electricity tax aimed at mitigating these effects.
Environmental Concerns of Crypto Mining
The IMF authors pointed out that crypto mining and AI data centers currently account for 2% of global electricity consumption, a figure that is expected to rise significantly. They stated:
“And that share is likely to climb to 3.5 percent in three years, according to our estimates based on projections from the International Energy Agency.”
With energy use on the rise, they forecast that crypto mining's contribution to global carbon emissions could reach 0.7% by 2027. Extending this to data centers, emissions could total 450 million tons by 2027, representing 1.2% of the world total.
The Proposed Electricity Tax
The economists suggest a direct tax of $0.047 per kilowatt hour for the crypto mining industry, aimed at aligning emissions with global goals. They emphasize:
“The tax system is one way to steer companies toward curbing emissions.”
If local air pollution is factored in, the tax could increase to $0.089, resulting in an 85% increase in average electricity prices for miners. This approach could yield $5.2 billion in annual government revenue and reduce emissions by 100 million tons globally.
For data centers, a targeted tax would be set at $0.032 per kilowatt hour, potentially raising up to $18 billion annually.
Criticism and Industry Impact
Critics argue that such taxes might stifle the growth of the crypto industry. Moreover, some studies indicate that the environmental impact of crypto mining is relatively minor compared to other sectors like e-commerce or traditional finance.
What do you think about the proposed electricity tax on crypto mining to reduce carbon emissions? Let us know in the comments section below.
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