A New York-based bathhouse and spa called Bathhouse, recently stirred up some controversy when it unveiled that it was operating a small-scale Bitcoin mining operation to heat their pools. Located in Brooklyn, the company accepts Bitcoin payments and has even dubbed themselves as operating on a “Bitcoin Standard.”
In a recent post on Instagram, Bathhouse explained that the heat generated by their mining operation heats their pools, with the water returning later to cool down the hardware. The establishment proudly announced, “Enjoy a hot pool while supporting the Bitcoin network.”
However, it is essential to note that Bitcoin mining rigs, the physical infrastructure of the computers that execute the network’s computational process, use a significant amount of electricity, produce noise, and emit excess heat. To prevent equipment overheating and maintain efficiency, mining operations require cooling methods like the one deployed by Bathhouse.
The founders of Bathhouse, who implemented their one-of-a-kind heating process in March 2022, were primarily driven by curiosity about the potential benefits of this technology for humanity. They informed Decrypt that they were searching for an efficient engineering solution and exploring ways to conserve energy. According to the business, their experiments with Bitcoin mining have convinced them that it is indeed a viable option.
Bathhouse envisions the possibility of implementing the technology they have successfully used to provide heat and hot water in other building solutions as well. They are open to sharing their knowledge and experience with anyone interested in learning more about it.
However, not everyone is thrilled about their innovative venture. Bitcoin mining has long been a controversial subject, particularly due to its significant energy consumption and environmental impact. The reaction to Bathhouse’s social media post was mixed, with some users expressing concern and requesting transparency about who is mining and profiting from the cryptocurrency. One user commented, “In the year of our lord 2023… thinking bitcoin mining gives you cachet? Praying this is a poorly-conceived joke.”
On the other hand, some bitcoiners were quite supportive of Bathhouse’s efforts. Bradley Rettler, widely recognized as one of the “bitcoin philosophers” from the group Resistance Money, applauded the efforts on Instagram and thanked the establishment for “securing the network, helping resist authoritarianism, and bringing financial freedom to people while you heat your pools!”
Ultimately, whether seen as an ingenious engineering solution or potential environmental concern, Bathhouse’s Bitcoin mining operation is undoubtedly attracting attention and prompting further discussion around the role and impact of cryptocurrency innovation.
Source: Decrypt
