The first Bitcoin mining map: an online interactive geographic tool

The first significant Bitcoin mining map was created by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) at the University of Cambridge. This interactive map, known as the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index (CBECI), provided a detailed geographical breakdown of Bitcoin’s hashrate distribution across the globe. It visualized the average monthly share of the global hashrate produced by different countries, based on data from partnered mining pools.
 

The map was a part of the CCAF’s ongoing research into the sustainability and environmental impact of Bitcoin mining. It offered insights into the seasonal migration of miners within China, from coal-fired regions to areas with abundant hydropower, reflecting the industry’s search for cost-effective energy sources. This tool became an essential resource for understanding the dynamics of Bitcoin mining and its implications for energy consumption and sustainability.