Digital Power Network Calls for DOE to Recognize Bitcoin Mining in 2026 Critical Materials Assessment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Digital Power Network (DPN), the leading national trade association for Bitcoin miners and digital infrastructure developers, has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in response to its Request for Information on the 2026 Energy Critical Materials Assessment (DE-FOA-0003568).
In its response, DPN calls on DOE to expand the scope of energy technologies under consideration to include Bitcoin mining, AI-driven data centers, and other flexible digital loads that are reshaping the U.S. energy landscape. The organization emphasizes that these technologies are not merely energy consumers but also vital grid-balancing assets that can enhance reliability, accelerate renewable integration, and drive investment in new energy resources.
“Bitcoin mining represents a unique energy technology, highly flexible and controllable, that supports grid reliability while catalyzing development of renewable and distributed energy systems,” said Hailey Miller, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy at DPN. “As DOE looks ahead to the future of critical materials and infrastructure, it’s essential to recognize the growing role of digital infrastructure in shaping energy demand and supply.”
DPN’s RFI response highlights several key priorities:
Recognition of Bitcoin mining as a grid resource capable of dynamically adjusting demand, mitigating renewable intermittency, and participating in demand-response programs.
Inclusion of AI/data centers and flexible loads as emerging end-use technologies that drive both electricity demand and new energy project development.
Focus on critical materials supply chains for semiconductors, advanced power electronics, transformers, and distributed energy resources, which are all essential for a resilient, future-ready grid.
Support for domestic ASIC chip manufacturing to strengthen U.S. leadership in blockchain and high-performance computing.
The submission also underscores how Bitcoin mining can play a unique role in flare gas mitigation, off-grid microgrids, and public-private partnerships with renewable developers, offering co-benefits for both emissions reduction and economic development.
The full DPN response to DOE’s RFI is available here.
About the Digital Power Network (DPN):
The Digital Power Network (DPN) is the largest coalition of Bitcoin miners and digital infrastructure leaders in the United States, representing over 75% of the domestic Bitcoin hash rate. DPN advocates for policies that promote energy innovation, grid resilience, economic development, and the strategic role of digital assets in the 21st-century economy.