Bitcoin miners chase 30 GW AI capacity to offset hashprice pressure

CoinTelegraph

by Sam Bourgi

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin miners are rapidly expanding their AI-focused power capacity, planning nearly 30 gigawatts (GW) of new infrastructure—nearly triple their current 11 GW online capacity. This aggressive move comes as public miners seek to offset declining mining margins and adapt to persistently weak hash prices following the Bitcoin halving event. TheEnergyMag's analysis across 14 publicly traded Bitcoin miners reveals a significant shift in industry strategy, with much of this new capacity targeting artificial intelligence workloads rather than traditional hashpower. The scale of this buildout is immense, equating to what TheEnergyMag describes as "a small country’s worth of power infrastructure." However, the majority of this 30 GW remains in development pipelines, interconnection queues, or early-stage plans, rather than being fully operational. This highlights the industry's ambitious but still evolving approach to repurposing its energy resources. The pivot away from traditional hashpower reflects broader trends in the crypto sector, where miners are increasingly seeking alternative revenue streams amid challenging market conditions. By focusing on AI workloads, miners aim to diversify their income sources and mitigate risks associated with fluctuating Bitcoin prices and reduced mining rewards post-halving. For readers interested in crypto, this shift underscores the dynamic nature of the industry and its ability to adapt to external pressures. The expansion into AI-focused power infrastructure not only offers a potential pathway for sustained growth but also raises questions about the long-term sustainability and innovation within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This strategic repositioning could have far-reaching implications for both mining operations and the broader adoption of renewable energy solutions in blockchain technology.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/19/2026