The Swiss canton of Bern has taken a bold step by approving a motion to study bitcoin mining as a solution for utilizing excess energy and stabilizing its electricity grid.
This decision, reached with an overwhelming 85-46 vote in favor, highlights a growing interest in the potential benefits of Bitcoin as a new technology.
Despite opposition from the canton’s executive authority, known as the Government Council, the proposal’s supporters view this development as a significant victory.
The motion was spearheaded by the bipartisan “Parliamentary Group Bitcoin”, a 23-member coalition advocating for innovative uses of technology to address energy and economic challenges.
Samuel Kullmann, a member of the Bern parliament and a prominent advocate for the motion, celebrated the approval.
“Even though the debate was heavily influenced by classic FUD arguments and missed the point, the proposal ultimately found a clear majority,” Kullmann said. He described the decision as proof that perspectives on Bitcoin are shifting toward recognizing its potential.
The report commissioned by the motion will explore several aspects of bitcoin mining:
- Utilization of Excess Energy: The study will identify areas in Bern with surplus electricity that could be redirected to power mining operations, preventing energy waste.
- Collaboration Opportunities: The potential for partnerships with Swiss bitcoin mining firms will be examined to determine how the industry could integrate with the local economy.
- Grid Stabilization: The study will assess how mining of the digital asset could help stabilize the energy grid during fluctuations in energy supply and demand.
Related: Deutsche Telekom Explores Bitcoin Mining In Partnership With Metzler Bank
Supporters of the motion point to the U.S. state of Texas as a successful example of integrating bitcoin mining into energy policy. In Texas, mining companies work with grid operators to balance supply and demand, turning miners into flexible energy consumers. The proposal added:
“Bitcoin mining companies bring investments, create jobs, and help develop renewable energy sources in many places around the world […] For several years now, bitcoin mining has been one of the greenest industries in the world.”
By following a similar model, Bern could attract mining businesses and create new employment opportunities.
“Bitcoin miners are not the only option for demand-side flexibility, but they have the advantage of bringing a direct economic benefit,” it explained.
Despite the motion’s approval, the Government Council opposed the initiative, raising concerns about its feasibility and broader implications. Their objections included:
- Energy Demand: The Council noted that Bitcoin mining’s high energy consumption could strain resources already in demand from other sectors, such as data centers and electric vehicles.
- Environmental Impact: Critics argue that mining’s energy-intensive proof-of-work system could have adverse environmental effects.
- Regulatory and Monetary Issues: The Council emphasized that bitcoin is not legal tender in Switzerland and does not fall under the Swiss National Bank’s regulatory purview.
The Council also recommended that energy allocation be left to market forces and storage technologies rather than state intervention. It stated:
“Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not legal tender. Bitcoin and other crypto assets are beyond monetary policy and thus [beyond] the safeguarding of price stability by the national bank, as well as state supervision, which is associated with various other risks.”
This initiative places Bern among the growing number of regions exploring bitcoin mining as a strategic use of surplus energy.
In addition to Switzerland, countries like El Salvador and Bhutan are actively pursuing bitcoin mining projects. Publicly traded companies, such as MicroStrategy, are also using bitcoin as a reserve asset, further cementing the digital asset’s global relevance.
Dennis Porter, co-founder of the Satoshi Action Fund and a key figure in drafting the motion, emphasized Bitcoin mining’s potential benefits.
Switzerland has long been known for its Bitcoin-friendly policies, with cities like Zug and Lugano emerging as global blockchain hubs.
While some lawmakers remain cautious, the broader Bitcoin community views Bern’s decision as a step forward. The feasibility report could pave the way for policies that responsibly integrate bitcoin mining into the region’s energy and economic strategies.
The study commissioned by the Bern parliament will provide a detailed assessment of the environmental, economic, and regulatory implications of bitcoin mining. Depending on the findings, Bern could potentially develop new policies to attract Bitcoin businesses and optimize energy use.
For now, supporters like Samuel Kullmann remain optimistic about the motion’s impact. “The outcome clearly demonstrates that the narrative on Bitcoin is changing,” he said, reflecting the growing recognition of the digital asset’s potential role in addressing real-world challenges.
As Bern embarks on this exploratory journey, it joins a global conversation about how emerging technologies can align with sustainability and economic development goals.
