Ethiopia is set to establish a $250 million bitcoin mining and AI data center in collaboration with the Russian bitcoin mining firm BitCluster. This initiative marks a significant step in Ethiopia’s drive to incorporate cutting-edge technologies like bitcoin and artificial intelligence into its economic framework.
In its ambition to emerge as a frontrunner in the global digital economy landscape, Ethiopia is harnessing its renewable energy reservoirs to fuel the progress of bitcoin mining and AI advancement. At the core of this ambitious endeavor lies Project Mano, a strategic blueprint designed to tap into Ethiopia’s renewable energy sources and seamlessly integrate these technologies into the country’s economic fabric.
Central to the initiative is the development of a 30,000-square-meter facility with a capacity of 120 megawatts situated in Addis Ababa, strategically positioned near the Kilinto high-voltage substation. This location capitalizes on Ethiopia’s abundant renewable energy sources, particularly the hydroelectric power generated by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in Africa. This sustainable approach ensures a steady power supply crucial for the energy-intensive bitcoin mining process, concurrently aligning with the nation’s environmental objectives.
The facility is poised to accommodate more than 34,000 Antminer S21 200Th miners, contributing a substantial 6.8 EH/s, equivalent to roughly 1.2% of the total bitcoin network hash rate. This development underscores the increasing emphasis on renewable energy within the bitcoin mining sector and emphasizes the geographical diversification of mining operations to regions offering climatic benefits and renewable energy outlets.
This strategic move is a game-changer for Ethiopia, in line with its broader vision to establish itself as a nucleus for technological innovation and sustainable growth. By capitalizing on its renewable energy potential, Ethiopia aims to attract global interest and investment in its tech sphere, fostering fresh avenues for employment, expansion, and progress.
The decision to select Ethiopia as the project site mirrors a growing trend among bitcoin miners who seek out locations offering cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions alongside a conducive regulatory framework.
As illustrated by the Project Mano proposal, Ethiopia’s drive to integrate bitcoin mining into its economic framework could potentially inject \(2 to \)4 billion annually into its GDP. This strategic maneuver has the potential to significantly fortify the nation’s economy, fortify its technological infrastructure, and position it as a frontrunner in the clean energy-oriented future of bitcoin mining.
This milestone marks a pivotal juncture for Ethiopia, showcasing its preparedness to seize the opportunities presented by blockchain technology and AI. As the project unfolds, it is poised to attract global attention to Ethiopia’s burgeoning tech sector and its commitment to sustainable and inventive economic progress.
