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28 Apr 2026, 09:45

Bitcoin miner Core Scientific shifts to AI with 1.5GW data center push

Core Scientific is converting its Pecos, Texas site into a high-density AI colocation hub, repurposing 300MW of mining capacity.

28 Apr 2026, 09:30

Core Scientific Transforms Bitcoin Mining Capacity Into Massive AI Data Center Campus in Texas

BitcoinWorld Core Scientific Transforms Bitcoin Mining Capacity Into Massive AI Data Center Campus in Texas Core Scientific (CORZ) plans to repurpose part of its Bitcoin mining capacity for AI data centers in Pecos, Texas. The company will develop a site with up to 1.5 GW of capacity, as reported by Cointelegraph. Approximately 1 GW of this capacity will be available for lease. Additionally, about 300 megawatts (MW) currently used for Bitcoin mining will convert to data center operations. Core Scientific also purchased over 200 acres of land to support this expansion. Core Scientific AI Data Center Expansion Details This strategic shift marks a significant pivot for the cryptocurrency mining firm. The Pecos site will transform into a massive AI-focused data center campus. Core Scientific aims to meet growing demand for high-performance computing infrastructure. The company plans to lease 1 GW of capacity to AI and cloud computing clients. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward repurposing energy-intensive mining facilities. The conversion of 300 MW of Bitcoin mining capacity is a key component. These operations will shift from cryptocurrency mining to supporting AI workloads. Core Scientific purchased additional land to accommodate the expanded campus. The site’s total capacity of 1.5 GW positions it among the largest data center developments in the United States. Strategic Shift From Bitcoin Mining to AI Infrastructure Core Scientific’s decision reflects changing market dynamics. Bitcoin mining profitability has faced pressure from energy costs and regulatory scrutiny. Meanwhile, AI data center demand has surged due to advances in machine learning and cloud computing. By repurposing existing infrastructure, Core Scientific leverages its energy expertise for a new revenue stream. The company already operates large-scale Bitcoin mining facilities. These sites have robust power infrastructure and cooling systems. Converting them for AI workloads requires upgrades but reduces initial capital expenditure. This approach offers faster time-to-market compared to building new data centers from scratch. Industry Context and Expert Perspectives Industry analysts view this move as a natural evolution. Cryptocurrency mining firms possess valuable assets: access to low-cost energy and existing facilities. AI data centers require similar attributes. Experts at JPMorgan note that such conversions could reshape the data center landscape. They highlight the potential for hybrid facilities that serve both blockchain and AI workloads. Core Scientific’s Pecos site benefits from Texas’s deregulated energy market. The state offers competitive electricity prices and renewable energy options. This makes it attractive for energy-intensive operations like AI training. The company’s land acquisition further secures its position in this growing market. Technical and Operational Implications Converting Bitcoin mining infrastructure for AI requires specific technical adjustments. Bitcoin miners use ASIC chips optimized for hash calculations. AI data centers need GPU clusters for neural network training. Core Scientific must install new hardware and networking equipment. Cooling systems also require upgrades to handle higher heat loads from GPUs. The company’s experience with large-scale operations provides an advantage. Core Scientific manages over 700 MW of Bitcoin mining capacity across multiple sites. This operational expertise translates to managing complex data center environments. The company can leverage existing supply chain relationships for hardware procurement. Power infrastructure: Existing substations and transformers can support AI workloads with modifications Cooling systems: Immersion cooling used for Bitcoin mining can adapt for GPU clusters Network connectivity: Fiber optic connections must upgrade for high-bandwidth AI data transfer Security: Physical security measures already in place for mining facilities require enhancement Market Impact and Competitive Landscape Core Scientific’s announcement affects multiple sectors. The cryptocurrency market may see reduced mining capacity. AI infrastructure providers face new competition from converted mining sites. Traditional data center operators must adapt to this emerging trend. The Pecos site will compete with established AI data center hubs in Northern Virginia and Silicon Valley. Texas offers lower land costs and faster permitting processes. However, the state faces challenges with grid reliability during extreme weather events. Core Scientific must address these risks through backup power systems and renewable energy integration. Other mining firms may follow Core Scientific’s lead. Companies like Riot Platforms and Marathon Digital Holdings have similar infrastructure. They could also pivot toward AI services. This trend could accelerate the convergence of cryptocurrency and AI industries. Timeline and Development Phases Core Scientific has not announced specific completion dates. Industry estimates suggest the first phase could be operational within 18-24 months. The conversion of 300 MW will likely occur first. The additional 1 GW for lease will require new construction and longer timelines. The company must secure tenants for the leased capacity. Major cloud providers and AI startups are potential customers. Core Scientific may offer colocation services or fully managed solutions. The success of this project depends on attracting anchor tenants with long-term commitments. Conclusion Core Scientific’s decision to repurpose Bitcoin mining capacity for AI data centers represents a strategic evolution in the cryptocurrency and infrastructure sectors. By converting 300 MW of existing mining operations and developing up to 1.5 GW of AI-focused capacity in Texas, the company positions itself at the intersection of two high-growth industries. This move leverages existing energy assets while addressing growing demand for AI computing. The success of this project could influence other mining firms and reshape the data center landscape. Core Scientific’s AI data center expansion highlights the adaptability of cryptocurrency infrastructure for emerging technologies. FAQs Q1: Why is Core Scientific converting Bitcoin mining capacity to AI data centers? Core Scientific is responding to growing demand for AI computing infrastructure. Bitcoin mining profitability has declined, while AI workloads require similar energy and cooling resources. This conversion allows the company to leverage existing assets for a higher-growth market. Q2: How much capacity will Core Scientific’s AI data center have? The Pecos, Texas site will have up to 1.5 GW of total capacity. Approximately 1 GW will be available for lease to AI and cloud clients. About 300 MW currently used for Bitcoin mining will convert to data center operations. Q3: What are the advantages of converting Bitcoin mining sites for AI? Existing power infrastructure, cooling systems, and land reduce initial capital costs. Mining firms have expertise in managing large-scale energy operations. This approach offers faster deployment compared to building new data centers from scratch. Q4: Will other Bitcoin mining companies follow Core Scientific’s lead? Industry analysts expect other mining firms to explore similar conversions. Companies with large power contracts and existing facilities may pivot toward AI services. This trend could accelerate as AI demand continues to grow. Q5: What technical changes are needed for this conversion? Core Scientific must replace ASIC miners with GPU clusters for AI workloads. Cooling systems require upgrades for higher heat loads. Network infrastructure needs enhancement for high-bandwidth data transfer. Security and monitoring systems also require updates. This post Core Scientific Transforms Bitcoin Mining Capacity Into Massive AI Data Center Campus in Texas first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 05:30

Mining Farms to AI Data Centers: CleanSpark CEO Issues Urgent Caution on Conversion Costs

BitcoinWorld Mining Farms to AI Data Centers: CleanSpark CEO Issues Urgent Caution on Conversion Costs At the Bitcoin 2026 Conference in Miami, CleanSpark CEO Matt Schultz issued a stark warning about converting mining farms to AI data centers. He highlighted the dramatic cost increases and operational challenges that many in the industry overlook. This caution comes as Bitcoin miners explore new revenue streams amid market volatility. Mining Farms to AI Data Centers: The Cost Reality Schultz explained that the cost per megawatt for converting mining farms to AI data centers jumps significantly. Specifically, it rises from around $500,000 to between $10 million and $12 million. This represents a 20-fold increase in capital expenditure. Many mining firms underestimate these costs, focusing only on potential stock gains. Staffing requirements also change drastically. For every 10 megawatts, a mining facility needs roughly one employee. In contrast, an AI data center requires about eight employees for the same capacity. This increase reflects the need for specialized skills in cooling, networking, and hardware maintenance. Lease Terms and Revenue Risks Schultz emphasized that major cloud providers impose extremely strict lease terms. A single day of delay can wipe out an entire year’s contract revenue. This risk makes the conversion process particularly dangerous for unprepared firms. The CEO urged the industry to approach these projects with caution and thorough planning. The timeline for such conversions is also critical. Typical projects take 18 to 24 months to complete. Any disruption in supply chains or construction can lead to severe financial penalties. Mining companies must secure reliable partners and contingency plans before starting. Industry Context: Why Mining Farms Are Pivoting The push to convert mining farms to AI data centers stems from several factors. Bitcoin’s price volatility and the recent halving event have reduced mining profitability. Simultaneously, the AI boom has created massive demand for high-performance computing infrastructure. Many mining facilities already possess key advantages: access to cheap power, existing cooling systems, and secure locations. However, Schultz warned that these advantages do not automatically translate to AI success. The technical requirements for AI workloads differ fundamentally from those for cryptocurrency mining. Technical Differences Between Mining and AI Bitcoin mining relies on ASIC chips designed for a single task: solving SHA-256 hashes. AI data centers require GPUs or specialized AI accelerators that handle diverse workloads. The power density, cooling needs, and network infrastructure differ significantly. For example, a typical mining rig operates at around 3,000 watts per square foot. An AI server rack can exceed 40,000 watts per square foot. This requires advanced liquid cooling systems and upgraded electrical infrastructure. Many existing mining facilities lack these capabilities. Expert Perspectives on Conversion Feasibility Industry analysts have mixed views on the feasibility of converting mining farms to AI data centers. Some argue that the existing power infrastructure and real estate provide a strong foundation. Others point to the high costs and technical challenges as major barriers. A recent report from a consulting firm estimated that only 15% of existing mining facilities are suitable for AI conversion without major upgrades. The remaining 85% would require substantial capital investment. This aligns with Schultz’s cautionary stance. Short-Term Stock Gains vs. Long-Term Viability Schultz specifically warned against focusing on short-term stock gains. When mining companies announce AI conversion plans, their stock prices often surge. However, the CEO noted that these gains can be misleading. The actual execution risks are high, and many projects fail to deliver. Investors should look beyond the headlines. They need to assess the company’s technical expertise, financial resources, and partnership quality. Without these elements, conversion attempts can lead to significant losses. Case Studies and Real-World Examples Several mining companies have already attempted AI conversions with mixed results. One firm successfully repurposed its facility in Texas, securing a contract with a major cloud provider. However, the project took three years and exceeded its budget by 40%. Another company in Norway abandoned its conversion plans after facing regulatory hurdles and construction delays. The failed attempt cost the firm over $50 million. These examples underscore the risks Schultz highlighted. Best Practices for Successful Conversion Based on industry experience, several best practices emerge. First, companies should conduct thorough feasibility studies before committing capital. Second, they should partner with experienced data center developers. Third, they should negotiate flexible lease terms that account for potential delays. Additionally, firms should retain some mining capacity as a hedge. This provides revenue stability during the transition period. Diversification, rather than full conversion, may be a safer strategy. Conclusion Converting mining farms to AI data centers presents both opportunities and significant risks. CleanSpark CEO Matt Schultz’s warning at the Bitcoin 2026 Conference highlights the need for caution. The cost increases, staffing changes, and strict lease terms demand thorough planning. Mining companies must avoid the trap of short-term stock gains and focus on long-term viability. As the industry evolves, those who approach conversion with realistic expectations and robust execution plans will succeed. FAQs Q1: Why are mining farms converting to AI data centers? Mining farms are converting due to reduced Bitcoin profitability and growing demand for AI computing power. The existing power infrastructure and real estate make them attractive candidates for repurposing. Q2: What are the main cost increases in conversion? The cost per megawatt jumps from $500,000 to $10-12 million. Staffing needs also increase from one to eight employees per 10 MW. These changes reflect the more complex requirements of AI workloads. Q3: How strict are the lease terms from cloud providers? Major cloud providers impose extremely strict terms. A single day of delay can wipe out an entire year’s contract revenue. This makes project management and contingency planning critical. Q4: What percentage of mining facilities are suitable for conversion? Industry estimates suggest only 15% of existing mining facilities are suitable without major upgrades. The remaining 85% require substantial capital investment for power, cooling, and networking. Q5: What should investors look for in mining companies pursuing AI conversion? Investors should assess technical expertise, financial resources, partnership quality, and realistic timelines. Short-term stock gains can be misleading without solid execution plans. This post Mining Farms to AI Data Centers: CleanSpark CEO Issues Urgent Caution on Conversion Costs first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

28 Apr 2026, 04:40

Chinese Bitcoin Mining Takeovers: US Lawmaker Pushes Urgent Bill to Block Strategic Threat

BitcoinWorld Chinese Bitcoin Mining Takeovers: US Lawmaker Pushes Urgent Bill to Block Strategic Threat A United States lawmaker is pushing a new bill to restrict Chinese investors from acquiring American Bitcoin mining companies. Representative Zach Nunn, a Republican from Iowa, made the announcement at the 2026 Bitcoin Conference. He warned that recent Chinese capital activity in the sector poses a direct threat to US strategic interests in digital assets. The proposed legislation targets Chinese takeovers of Bitcoin miners specifically. Understanding the Chinese Bitcoin Mining Takeover Bill Representative Nunn revealed that Chinese investors have recently been actively pursuing acquisitions of US-based Bitcoin mining firms. He argued that if Chinese capital secures a majority stake in these companies, it could significantly weaken America’s position in the global digital asset sector. The bill aims to establish a review process for foreign investments in Bitcoin mining infrastructure. This move aligns with broader US efforts to secure critical technology supply chains. Why Bitcoin Mining Infrastructure Matters for National Security Bitcoin mining is not just about creating new coins. It requires massive energy consumption, advanced semiconductor chips, and data center operations. These resources are increasingly viewed as strategic assets. Control over mining capacity gives influence over the Bitcoin network’s hash rate and transaction validation. US policymakers now see mining facilities as part of the national energy and technology infrastructure. Chinese ownership of these facilities could create vulnerabilities in energy grids and data security. Recent Examples of Chinese Investment in US Mining Several reports indicate that Chinese entities have attempted to acquire stakes in major US mining operations over the past year. These include partnerships with publicly traded mining companies and private data center operators. The transactions often involve complex corporate structures designed to obscure the ultimate beneficial ownership. US intelligence agencies have flagged these activities as potential risks. The new bill would require public disclosure of foreign ownership in mining companies. Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation Mandatory review of any foreign investment exceeding 10% ownership in a US Bitcoin mining company. Enhanced disclosure requirements for mining firms regarding their capital sources and supply chains. National security assessment by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Penalties for non-compliance, including potential forced divestiture of Chinese-owned stakes. Reporting obligations for mining companies to track equipment sourced from Chinese manufacturers. Impact on the US Bitcoin Mining Industry The proposed bill could reshape the competitive landscape for American miners. Many US mining firms currently rely on Chinese-made ASIC miners and infrastructure components. Restricting Chinese investment might accelerate domestic manufacturing of mining hardware. It could also drive up operational costs for miners who depend on Chinese capital for expansion. However, supporters argue that the long-term strategic benefits outweigh short-term economic disruptions. The bill would also encourage partnerships with allied nations like Canada and Australia. Expert Perspectives on the Legislation Industry analysts have offered mixed reactions to the proposal. Some argue that Chinese investment brings capital and technical expertise that benefits the US mining ecosystem. Others point out that China’s state-owned enterprises have a history of using investments for intelligence gathering and technology transfer. A former CFIUS official noted that similar restrictions already apply to telecommunications and energy sectors. Extending these rules to Bitcoin mining is a logical step, the expert said. The debate highlights the tension between free market principles and national security concerns. Timeline of US-China Tensions in Crypto Mining Year Event 2021 China bans all cryptocurrency mining, forcing miners to relocate overseas. 2022 US becomes the world’s largest Bitcoin mining hub, attracting Chinese miners. 2023 US regulators investigate Chinese-linked mining operations in Texas and New York. 2024 Congress holds hearings on foreign ownership of US mining infrastructure. 2025 Representative Nunn introduces the Bitcoin Mining Security Act. Broader Implications for Global Crypto Policy This bill is part of a larger trend of nations asserting sovereignty over digital asset infrastructure. The European Union has already implemented similar rules for foreign investments in crypto mining. Japan and South Korea are also reviewing their policies. If passed, the US law could set a precedent for other countries to follow. It would signal that Bitcoin mining is now considered a critical national infrastructure sector. This could lead to a fragmentation of the global mining industry along geopolitical lines. What This Means for Investors and Miners Investors in US mining stocks should monitor the bill’s progress closely. The legislation could increase compliance costs and reduce the pool of available capital. Miners may need to restructure their ownership and supply chains to comply. Some firms might relocate operations to jurisdictions with fewer restrictions. However, the bill could also create opportunities for domestic hardware manufacturers and energy providers. The long-term effect will depend on how the legislation is implemented and enforced. Conclusion Representative Zach Nunn’s proposed bill represents a significant shift in US policy toward Bitcoin mining. By targeting Chinese takeovers of Bitcoin miners, the legislation aims to protect American strategic interests in the digital asset sector. The bill highlights the growing recognition of mining infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. While it may create short-term challenges for the industry, supporters believe it will strengthen US leadership in the long run. The debate over this bill will likely intensify as it moves through Congress. FAQs Q1: What does the bill aim to do? The bill aims to restrict Chinese investors from acquiring majority stakes in US Bitcoin mining companies. It requires mandatory review of foreign investments and enhanced disclosure of ownership structures. Q2: Why is Chinese investment in Bitcoin mining considered a threat? Chinese ownership of mining infrastructure could give the Chinese government influence over US energy grids, data centers, and the Bitcoin network’s hash rate. It also raises concerns about technology transfer and espionage. Q3: How would the bill affect existing Chinese-owned mining operations? Existing operations would likely face enhanced scrutiny and may be required to divest Chinese ownership stakes. Non-compliance could result in penalties or forced divestiture. Q4: What is the role of CFIUS in this legislation? CFIUS would be responsible for reviewing foreign investments in Bitcoin mining companies. The committee already reviews foreign investments in other critical infrastructure sectors. Q5: Could this bill hurt the US Bitcoin mining industry? In the short term, it could reduce capital availability and increase costs. However, supporters argue it will strengthen the industry’s long-term security and encourage domestic manufacturing. Q6: When will the bill be voted on? The bill has been introduced but has not yet been scheduled for a vote. It will first go through committee hearings before reaching the full House of Representatives. This post Chinese Bitcoin Mining Takeovers: US Lawmaker Pushes Urgent Bill to Block Strategic Threat first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

27 Apr 2026, 20:42

Bitcoin giant MARA launches $100,000 community reward

🚨 MARA announced a $100,000 reward program tied to its new foundation for long-term $BTC ecosystem health. The winner will be chosen by community vote among selected nonprofits. 📈 Critical data: MARA’s effort targets network security, financial sovereignty, and open access for users worldwide. Continue Reading: Bitcoin giant MARA launches $100,000 community reward The post Bitcoin giant MARA launches $100,000 community reward appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

27 Apr 2026, 20:12

MARA CEO Unveils MARA Foundation to Boost Bitcoin Security and Access

MARA Foundation targets Bitcoin security, quantum risks, access, and open-source tools. Community vote will decide which Bitcoin nonprofit receives the $100,000 launch grant. Fred Thiel says Bitcoin needs active stewardship beyond mining and short-term economics. MARA Holdings CEO Fred Thiel announced the launch of the MARA Foundation today during the Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas. The initiative is designed to strengthen network security, support open-source development, and widen access to self-custody tools. The company framed the move as an extension of its role as a miner and infrastructure operator. Chairman and CEO Fred Thiel said mining gives MARA a responsibility to support the protocol’s long-term health, not only its short-term economics. MARA Foundation Targets Security, Access, and Policy According to MARA’s official report , the new foundation will focus on five core areas. These include long-term network security, quantum resistance research, open-source technology development, global self-custody access, policy advocacy, and education. The security focus comes with a direct reference to future risks, including threats linked to quantum computing. The foundation said it wants to help harden the protocol against possible technical challenges while supporting a healthy transaction fee market. Its access mission is also central to the launch. The organization said it will support tools and infrastructure that help users hold their own assets and pursue financial sovereignty. The education plan, on the other hand, covers users, developers, policymakers, and activists. It also includes technical training, multilingual learning resources, and broader advocacy for financial freedom technologies. $100,000 Launch Grant Opens to Community Vote To mark the launch, the MARA foundation introduced a $100,000 contribution for one of three preselected nonprofits. According to the report, the final recipient will be chosen through a community vote, which is open through the foundation website until 3:00 p.m. PST on April 29. Attendees at Bitcoin 2026 can also vote in person at the company’s conference booth. The three candidates are SateNet, 256 Foundation, and Libreria de Satoshi. Each organization is linked to a different part of the foundation’s stated mission. SateNet, for instance, works to provide low-cost, community-run wireless internet service across communities in the Global South. Its model uses Bitcoin-powered infrastructure to support self-sustaining local connectivity. 256 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity funding developers who build open-source mining hardware and software. It also provides educational tools aimed at making mining technology easier to understand. Meanwhile, Libreria de Satoshi focuses on technical education across languages and regions. Its mission is to decentralize knowledge and train the next generation of protocol developers. Thiel Frames Network Stewardship as Shared Responsibility Thiel said the MARA foundation would support researchers, developers, and educators building the next chapter of the protocol. He described Bitcoin as a decentralized system that still requires active stewardship. He also called it “a public utility that nobody owns, but everybody depends on.” In his remarks, decentralization meant responsibility is distributed, not that the system runs without support. Overall, the launch gives MARA a formal structure for funding work outside its mining operations. It also places security, education, and self-custody at the center of the company’s broader public-facing mission. For now, however, the MARA launch connects corporate mining activity with nonprofit support, technical development, and wider user access. Also Read: Solana Developers Advance Quantum-Resistant Upgrade to Secure Network