
The Rockefeller Foundation
2023
Blockchain for Renewable Energy Demand Stimulation
Bayes Consulting advised the Rockefeller Foundation on leveraging High Throughput Computing (HTC), particularly cryptocurrency mining to address inefficiencies in Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) systems. At the Luviro Hydroelectric Power Plant (14MW) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, low energy demand (800kW offtake) resulted in high Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and frequent outages.
By increasing energy demand through a 7MW cryptocurrency mining farm, the project optimized energy utilization, reducing LCOE and making electricity more affordable to the local communities. Mining revenues offset operational costs, allowing for tariff subsidies and expanded access to the underserved.
Additionally, we recommended using waste heat from cryptocurrency mining for agricultural value chains. This supported the drying of crops like cocoa and vanilla, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing product quality, and boosting farmer incomes by 20%.

