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9 Apr 2026, 07:00

Bitcoin Needs An Upgrade—But Not Because Of Quantum, Research Argues

As headlines related to Quantum Computing loom over Bitcoin, some research papers have broken down how real the threat currently is. Bitcoin Network Has 6.26 Million Tokens With Exposed Public Keys Hardware entrepreneur Rodolfo Novak has made two X articles discussing what research papers on Quantum Computing could reveal about how real the threat is to Bitcoin. Quantum Computing is an emerging technology that leverages laws of quantum physics to solve problems that are extremely difficult for classic computers. It’s been an “upcoming” technology for a while now, but lately, it has been coming up in news more often. In the context of Bitcoin, many speculate that Quantum Computers could be used to threaten the network in two ways. The first is via deriving a wallet’s private key from its public key. If successful, this can allow the attacker to gain access to the wallet’s balance. That said, the threat only applies to wallets that have their public keys exposed. Currently, there is a combined 6.26 million BTC sitting in such wallets, including Satoshi’s coins. That’s equivalent to approximately 31% of the cryptocurrency’s supply in circulation . The other potential threat that Quantum Computing poses to Bitcoin is by offering a significant speedup to the task of the miners. Novak has argued, however, that this application of Quantum Computing is unfeasible. According to a 2025 paper, the energy requirements for Quantum mining Bitcoin are so great that power can be measured relative to the Sun’s. “To mine Bitcoin with a quantum computer, you would need roughly 3% of the Sun’s total energy output,” noted Novak. While Quantum mining is a pipedream, the other threat still remains. That said, it doesn’t mean that it’s here or even close to arriving. Novak has highlighted that breaking BTC’s cryptography requires the equivalent of factoring a 1,300 digital number. So far, Quantum Computers haven’t come close to achieving such a feat. As the below table shows, Quantum Computing has also failed to deliver on major predictions until now, with the exception of one target. While Quantum Computing could still be some distance away, Novak has stressed that it’s important to upgrade Bitcoin. In the past, the cryptocurrency has already pushed out major upgrades, but progress can be slow. Work on a quantum resistant proposal called BIP-360 has already been underway. The real threat to BTC may not even be Quantum Computing. Historically, many cryptographic systems have eventually been broken by classical mathematical models alone. Novak noted: This is the actual reason Bitcoin should adopt alternate cryptographic schemes. Not because quantum computers are coming — they might never arrive. But because relying on a single cryptographic assumption for a $2 trillion network is exactly the kind of risk that serious engineering addresses proactively. BTC Price At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $72,600, up nearly 6% over the last 24 hours.

9 Apr 2026, 05:58

Cango sells 2,000 BTC to pay off loans as miners accelerate bitcoin liquidations

Cango sold a large portion of its bitcoin holdings to reduce outstanding loan debt in March 2026. Other major mining companies, such as Riot Platforms and Marathon Digital, have also ramped up bitcoin sales. Continue Reading: Cango sells 2,000 BTC to pay off loans as miners accelerate bitcoin liquidations The post Cango sells 2,000 BTC to pay off loans as miners accelerate bitcoin liquidations appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

9 Apr 2026, 04:30

Cango Completes $442M Bitcoin Liquidation and Secures $75M in New Capital for AI Pivot

Cango Inc. sold 6,451 bitcoin across February and March 2026, applying the proceeds entirely to retire crypto-collateralized loans as the company transitions its mining infrastructure toward artificial intelligence (AI) compute services. Key Takeaways: Cango Inc. sold 6,451 BTC across February and March 2026, generating roughly $442 million to retire bitcoin-backed loans. The sales cut Cango’s

9 Apr 2026, 04:00

Iran’s Crypto Mining Sector Hit Hard As Hashrate Drops Nearly 80%

The US, Russia and China together control over 65% of global Bitcoin hashrate, a reminder that mining power remains heavily concentrated even as local shocks push smaller markets up and down. Related Reading: Bitcoin Mood Sours To Levels Not Seen Since Late February In that mix, Iran has seen a sharp fall. Its hashrate dropped about 77% in the past quarter, to roughly 2 EH/s, after months of conflict and disruption. Iran’s Share Drops Fast According to a report from Hashrate Index, Iran lost about 7 EH/s quarter over quarter. The decline came during a period of rising tension with the US and Israel, with strikes and retaliation driving instability across the region. Even so, the pullback did not spread in the same way to nearby mining hubs. The United Arab Emirates and Oman were reported to have stayed stable. Source: Hashrate Index The report framed the change as a local hit rather than a network-wide threat. Global hashrate remained near 1,000 EH/s, which means the Bitcoin network kept working with little sign of strain. That is partly because no single region has enough mining power to threaten continuity on its own. When one place weakens, other places can absorb the load. Iran’s drop also comes with a large miner count behind it. The country is estimated to have about 427,000 active Bitcoin mining rigs. Those machines do not all run at the same efficiency, and many older units have been forced out as margins tighten. Price Pressure Hits Miners Everywhere The broader network has also been under pressure. The 30-day simple moving average for global hashrate fell from 1,066 EH/s in the first quarter to about 1,004 EH/s in the second quarter, a drop of 5.8%. The report linked that move to falling Bitcoin prices, not to energy costs or regulation. Bitcoin has fallen more than 45% from its record high of $126,000 set in October. That drop has pushed mining revenue lower and made hash prices hit record lows. At those levels, older machines with efficiency above 25 J/TH can run at a loss and get shut down. The report said about 252 EH/s of marginal capacity is now offline, with much of it tied to older hardware. Related Reading: Underdog Bitcoin Miner Bags $210,000 BTC In Stunning Block Discovery Redistribution, Not Collapse The story the numbers tell is simple. Mining does not stay fixed in one place for long. It moves toward cheaper power, better machines and higher margins. When those conditions fade, rigs are switched off or shipped elsewhere. That is what happened in this case, with Iran taking the biggest hit while the wider network kept moving. Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

8 Apr 2026, 20:50

Bitcoin Miners Undervalued: Morgan Stanley’s Stunning AI Power Demand Revelation

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Miners Undervalued: Morgan Stanley’s Stunning AI Power Demand Revelation NEW YORK, March 2025 – Morgan Stanley has uncovered a significant market discrepancy that positions Bitcoin mining companies as potentially critical infrastructure players in the artificial intelligence revolution. The investment bank’s analysis reveals these cryptocurrency operations are substantially undervalued relative to their energy assets, creating what analysts describe as a “strategic infrastructure opportunity” as AI’s electricity demands surge exponentially. Bitcoin Miners Face Critical Infrastructure Valuation Gap Morgan Stanley analysts recently published research highlighting a dramatic valuation gap in energy infrastructure. According to their findings, Bitcoin mining firms currently trade at just $2 to $7 per watt of enterprise value. Meanwhile, electricity in the AI cloud market commands $13 to $15 per watt. This discrepancy represents a potential 100% to 650% valuation gap that investors may have overlooked. The analysis gained attention when VanEck’s Head of Research Matthew Sigel shared key insights on social media platform X. Sigel emphasized the strategic importance of power grid access secured by mining operations. These companies have spent years developing relationships with utilities and securing favorable electricity contracts. Consequently, their infrastructure represents a valuable asset in an increasingly power-constrained world. AI’s Explosive Growth Creates Energy Crisis Artificial intelligence development requires staggering amounts of electricity. Recent projections indicate AI’s annual electricity demand will surge by approximately 30% annually. Data centers powering large language models and machine learning algorithms consume power equivalent to small cities. For instance, a single AI training session can use more electricity than 100 homes consume in a year. The global push toward AI adoption has created unprecedented pressure on power grids. Traditional energy infrastructure struggles to keep pace with demand. Consequently, regions with available electricity capacity have become strategic assets. Bitcoin miners often operate in these energy-rich locations, positioning them as potential partners for AI companies seeking reliable power sources. Energy Infrastructure Comparison Table Infrastructure Type Valuation (EV/Watt) Primary Use Growth Projection Bitcoin Mining Operations $2 – $7 Cryptocurrency Validation Variable AI Cloud Data Centers $13 – $15 Artificial Intelligence Processing 30% Annual Increase Traditional Data Centers $8 – $12 General Computing 10% Annual Increase Mining Sector Evolution Beyond Cryptocurrency Bitcoin mining companies have evolved significantly since the industry’s early days. Initially, these operations focused exclusively on validating cryptocurrency transactions. However, their business models have diversified considerably. Many miners now offer: Demand response services to stabilize power grids Excess heat recycling for agricultural and industrial uses Modular data center solutions for rapid deployment Energy arbitrage capabilities during peak demand periods This diversification creates multiple revenue streams beyond cryptocurrency rewards. Furthermore, mining operations typically maintain flexible power contracts. This flexibility allows them to sell electricity back to grids during shortages. Consequently, they function as virtual power plants in some regions. Operational Efficiency Determines Investment Potential Morgan Stanley’s analysis distinguishes between mining companies based on operational efficiency. The report notes that poor stock performance among some miners stems from execution risks. Smaller firms particularly face challenges with equipment procurement and energy management. However, companies demonstrating improved efficiency may receive ratings upgrades. Specifically, Morgan Stanley suggested potential upgrades for operations like MARA Holdings. Currently rated “Underweight,” these companies could see improved valuations with better execution. The bank’s analysts emphasize that not all miners will benefit equally from the AI energy trend. Success will depend on several critical factors: Location and quality of power contracts Equipment efficiency and upgrade schedules Balance sheet strength and debt management Management experience in energy markets Global Energy Markets Undergo Transformation The convergence of cryptocurrency mining and AI energy demands reflects broader changes in global energy markets. Electricity has transitioned from a commodity to a strategic asset. This shift mirrors historical transitions where critical resources gained disproportionate value during technological revolutions. Countries with abundant renewable energy resources now hold significant advantages. Bitcoin miners often established operations in these regions years ago. Their existing infrastructure and regulatory approvals provide first-mover advantages. Meanwhile, AI companies face longer lead times for new data center construction. This timing mismatch creates opportunities for strategic partnerships. Energy experts note that Bitcoin mining’s flexible consumption patterns complement AI’s more consistent demands. Mining operations can temporarily reduce power usage during grid stress. This flexibility provides grid operators with valuable tools for managing AI’s growing electricity needs. Consequently, some utilities now view miners as grid stabilization assets rather than mere consumers. Investment Community Reacts to Analysis Financial analysts have responded cautiously but positively to Morgan Stanley’s findings. Many acknowledge the logical connection between mining infrastructure and AI power needs. However, they emphasize the need for careful due diligence. The cryptocurrency sector’s volatility remains a concern for traditional investors. Several investment firms have begun researching hybrid models. These models would combine cryptocurrency mining with AI computational services. Early prototypes suggest such operations could maximize infrastructure utilization. Additionally, they might smooth revenue volatility through diversified income streams. Regulatory considerations also influence investment decisions. Different jurisdictions approach cryptocurrency and AI development with varying frameworks. Investors must navigate this complex landscape carefully. Nevertheless, the fundamental thesis about energy infrastructure value appears sound to many analysts. Conclusion Morgan Stanley’s analysis reveals that Bitcoin miners are substantially undervalued relative to their energy infrastructure assets. The explosive growth of artificial intelligence has transformed electricity into a strategic resource. Consequently, mining operations with established power access and efficient infrastructure may represent overlooked investment opportunities. While execution risks remain significant for smaller companies, the broader trend suggests convergence between cryptocurrency mining and AI energy needs. As global electricity demands continue surging, these undervalued Bitcoin mining assets could play increasingly important roles in powering technological advancement. FAQs Q1: Why does Morgan Stanley believe Bitcoin miners are undervalued? Morgan Stanley’s analysis reveals Bitcoin mining companies trade at $2-$7 per watt of enterprise value, while AI cloud electricity commands $13-$15 per watt, representing a significant valuation gap for similar energy infrastructure. Q2: How does AI growth affect Bitcoin mining operations? AI’s projected 30% annual electricity demand increase creates power shortages that make existing mining infrastructure strategically valuable, as these operations already have secured power contracts and grid access. Q3: Which Bitcoin mining company did Morgan Stanley mention for potential upgrade? The analysis specifically mentioned MARA Holdings (MARA) as a candidate for potential ratings upgrade from “Underweight” if the company demonstrates improved operational efficiency. Q4: What risks do Bitcoin mining companies still face despite this opportunity? Mining operations face cryptocurrency price volatility, regulatory uncertainty, execution risks for smaller firms, and potential competition from dedicated AI infrastructure developers. Q5: How can Bitcoin mining infrastructure support AI development? Mining operations offer flexible power consumption that can stabilize grids during AI’s consistent high demand, plus existing infrastructure in energy-rich locations that AI companies could potentially utilize or partner with. This post Bitcoin Miners Undervalued: Morgan Stanley’s Stunning AI Power Demand Revelation first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

8 Apr 2026, 19:00

Sharplink stakes 511 Ethereum in a week – Breaking down its ‘ETH earns more ETH’ approach

Will Sharplink's staking reward approach prove to be better than BitMine's hoarding strategy?