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by sword_smith 1491 days ago
Negative electricity prices is an increasingly common phenomenon due to an increasing supply from electricity sources whose output can't be controlled, i.e., wind and solar. Proof of work mining sets a floor under electricity prices, as mining can be spun up when prices are low. This means that proof of work acts as a subsidy for wind and solar, and increases the proportion of the total power production that can be delivered from these sources.