Digital Power Network on How Bitcoin Miners Are Powering the Future of AI

An op-ed from the DPN Policy Team on how mining infrastructure is supporting America’s AI growth and energy innovation.

By Sonya Murphy, Policy Associate, Digital Power Network

As the U.S. races to lead the world in artificial intelligence, an unlikely player is stepping into the spotlight: the Bitcoin mining industry.

Traditionally known for securing the world’s largest decentralized financial network, Bitcoin miners are now evolving into energy innovators and AI enablers. With large-scale infrastructure already in place, they’re uniquely positioned to support the computing demands of tomorrow, and in the process, revitalize American industry.

Across the country, miners are converting warehouses into high-density data centers, driving electrification and economic growth in rural and industrial communities. But they’re also facing headwinds: rising energy prices, increasing network difficulty, and Bitcoin’s inherent price volatility are pushing miners to adapt.

One adaptation is already underway, leveraging existing infrastructure to power artificial intelligence workloads. This isn’t a pivot away from Bitcoin, but a strategic expansion. Bitcoin mining and AI computing both require massive energy inputs and cutting-edge hardware. Miners already have both.

AI is fueling a boom in digital infrastructure, with U.S. data center employment growing by nearly 200,000 jobs in the last seven years. Meanwhile, Bitcoin is a $2 trillion global asset with a growing economic footprint at home, supporting nearly 31,000 jobs across the United States. These sectors are converging, and miners are at the heart of that transformation.

This isn’t just good business, it’s good for the grid. Because AI and Bitcoin both require long-term power agreements and flexible load profiles, they’re helping utilities stabilize demand and fund new energy investments. Behind-the-meter projects, microgrids, and load-balancing technologies are being pioneered by this very industry. That’s innovation in action.

Still, challenges persist. The Energy Information Administration reported this May that retail electricity prices have risen faster than inflation since 2022, straining miners’ margins. In response, many are turning to AI compute, where energy use is often more efficient and revenue potential significantly higher. This shift is helping miners stabilize their operations while positioning them at the forefront of America’s digital infrastructure future.

This transition doesn’t mean leaving Bitcoin behind. It means creating a dual-purpose future: securing the Bitcoin network while powering the next generation of American innovation. But to fully realize this potential, policymakers must step up.

Outdated zoning rules, permitting delays, and conflicting federal and state policies are slowing deployment of new infrastructure. If the U.S. wants to win the global race for AI dominance, we need a stable, pro-growth regulatory environment, and that starts with supporting the industries already leading the charge.

Bitcoin and AI aren’t competitors. Together, they form the backbone of a new American energy and technology strategy. The Digital Power Network is proud to champion this vision and work with policymakers to unleash America’s energy potential.