A pioneering project in Colombia is transforming biogas from sanitary waste into renewable energy to power Bitcoin mining, addressing both environmental concerns and the cryptocurrency’s energy demands.
The initiative, a collaboration between environmental services firm Veolia and energy company Horeb Energy, is underway in Norte de Santander. It represents a unique effort in Colombia to repurpose a byproduct of waste decomposition.
In its first year, the project successfully generated nearly 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity. This clean energy was used to operate a Bitcoin data center, which remained entirely isolated from conventional power grids.
The core of the project involves utilizing methane gas produced by the decomposition of waste at Veolia’s Guayabal Intelligent Ecological Management Center landfill. Methane, typically an environmental hazard, is converted into biogas through active extraction and controlled burning.
Horeb Energy then processes and filters this biogas, transforming it into electricity. This power directly feeds an isolated data center dedicated to cryptocurrency mining.
Humberto Posada Cifuentes, General Manager for Veolia in Norte de Santander, stated the pilot demonstrates a path to sustainability. “Through this pilot, it is demonstrated that with innovation and local leadership, we can convert waste into value and contribute to the energy transition,” Cifuentes said.
Arley Lozano, Operations Manager for Horeb Energy, expressed pride in the local development of the project. Lozano hopes to replicate the model across other municipalities and throughout Latin America.
The venture positions Norte de Santander as an emerging hub for innovation in the circular economy, clean technology, and sustainable cryptocurrency mining. Veolia, a global leader in environmental services, manages crucial solid waste facilities in the region. Horeb Energy specializes in renewable energy generation from waste and biogas treatment solutions.
This pilot project is expected to foster an exchange of knowledge and experience. It represents a significant step towards strengthening the circular economy and technological innovation in the region.