Marathon and Nodal Power Successfully Harness Landfill Gas for Bitcoin Mining
In a groundbreaking pilot project, Marathon Digital Holdings and Nodal Power have demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of using landfill gas (LFG) to power digital asset compute, specifically Bitcoin mining. The partnership between Marathon and Nodal utilized Nodal’s patented technology to convert methane from a landfill into electricity, which was then used to power a data center on-site. This innovative approach not only proved to be economically viable but also environmentally beneficial.
The pilot project, located in Utah, USA, has been ongoing since September 27, 2023, and has shown remarkable results. With a capacity of 270 kW and using 83 S19J Pros computing equipment, the data center achieved an operational hash rate of 8.3 PH/s. The project has been able to consistently utilize methane from the landfill, reducing methane emissions and generating revenue that would have otherwise been wasted.
One of the key highlights of the project was the operational efficiency and uptime achieved. The on-site reciprocating engine converted methane into electricity with an efficiency of approximately 34%, surpassing the efficiency of average coal and nuclear power plants. The project also exceeded expectations in terms of uptime, achieving a remarkable 92% operational uptime.
Financially, the project has been a success as well. Nodal’s Power Plant generated electricity at a rate of $0.03 per kWh, significantly lower than the industry average of $0.08 per kWh. Over the course of 240 days, Marathon and Nodal utilized approximately 1.4 million kWh of electricity, providing a new revenue stream for the landfill.
Overall, the pilot project has validated the theory that digital asset compute powered by landfill gas is a viable and sustainable option. The success of this project opens up new opportunities for leveraging energy harvesting technologies to tap into underutilized or wasted energy sources in a more sustainable manner. This win-win initiative has proven to be beneficial for all parties involved and sets a promising precedent for future projects in the field.
For more detailed information and insights from the pilot project, you can download the full report [here](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/.image/c_fit%2Ch_800%2Cw_1200/MjA3MTA3NDQxNjE4MzMwNjcz/marathon-x-nodal-power-report—article-preview.png).
