What is Agile Energy X?
Agile Energy X is a startup that combines renewable energy with Bitcoin in an innovative approach.
As a business operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of TEPCO, it has attracted attention both domestically and internationally.
In this article, I’ll provide a clear explanation of Agile Energy X's overview.
Quick Summary of This Article
- Agile Energy X aims to address Japan's electricity issues by utilizing a system that harnesses renewable energy.
- They conduct Bitcoin mining using renewable energy and combine it with multiple technologies, such as agriculture, to build a sustainable system.
This article was written in Japanese and converted to English using a translation tool.
Date of writing (Japanese version): September 2024
What is Agile Energy X?
Agile Energy X is a company that aims to maximize the integration of renewable energy and optimize the power grid.
Power grid: Refers to the entire system involved in the production and consumption of electricity, including power generation and transmission facilities.
To integrate large amounts of renewable energy, there are two main challenges: 'output control' and 'grid congestion.'
- Output Control: Regulating the amount of power generated to balance supply and demand.
Example: Stopping power generation in spring and autumn when heating or cooling demand is low. - Grid Congestion: A state where the capacity to transmit electricity through the power grid is exceeded, preventing all the generated electricity from reaching consumers.
Under the idea of 'if there's excess power, create demand for it,' various uses for the surplus electricity were explored.
This is where Bitcoin mining was introduced.
Agile Energy X's Initiatives
I've heard that Agile Energy X has a unique approach that's different from other mining operations in other countries.
Agile Energy X combines multiple technologies to create an environmentally friendly and sustainable system.
- Recovering Heat Generated by Mining Equipment: The heat (waste heat) produced by running mining equipment is collected.
- Heating Greenhouses with Waste Heat: The waste heat is used to warm greenhouses.
- Using Waste Heat for CO2 Capture: The energy is used in CO2 capture devices, and the captured CO2 is then utilized for plant photosynthesis.
- Pilot Project: Aquaponics (a sustainable farming method that grows fish and plants in the same system).
- Potential Application of CO2: Generating micro-sized diamonds using molten salt electrolysis.
source：環境省
They're not just mining using renewable energy; they're also effectively utilizing the heat generated by the mining equipment!
With systems like aquaponics, which combines land-based fish farming and hydroponics, it's impressive how they can use the excess electricity for various purposes.
Agile Energy's Pilot Project
In a video from May 2024, it was mentioned that their pilot project was earning around ￥1,000 to ￥1,500 per day, which translates to about ￥40,000 per month.
Oh, really? That's less than I expected.
I had the impression that Bitcoin was all about making or losing money, so I thought it would be a more lucrative setup.
It's true that Bitcoin has significant price fluctuations, so there are people who profit or lose money by investing in it.
However, Agile Energy X isn't aiming to make a huge profit from Bitcoin. Their goal is different.
In the aforementioned video, it is mentioned that Agile Energy X's initiative is not a business model aimed at making a huge profit from Bitcoin. Instead, it's about using Bitcoin as one way to effectively utilize surplus renewable energy and alleviate grid congestion, addressing broader issues within the power sector.
The video also explains that when Bitcoin's price drops, mining machines become cheaper to purchase, which in turn helps alleviate grid congestion.
It's exciting to think about a business model that's sustainable regardless of whether Bitcoin's price goes up or down!
Future Outlook for Agile Energy X
- Japan has a renewable energy potential that is up to twice the current power supply capacity (according to estimates by the Ministry of the Environment).
- If surplus renewable energy across the country is monetized through mining, by 2050, it could result in approximately ¥360 billion in annual mining revenue.*
*This potential could be realized through the market creation efforts of Agile Energy X.
*Data cited from a video released in 2022.
About 30 years from now, mining revenues may be worth hundreds of billions of yen per year!
I hope that Agile Energy X's efforts will be accepted by various local governments.
The system that Agile Energy X is working on allows for a high degree of freedom in the installation and operation of the equipment.
As long as there is electricity, air, water, and a communication line, it can be implemented anywhere in Japan.
We may see the trend toward "local production and consumption of electricity," where towns generate their own electricity!
[Summary] Agile Energy X has the potential to solve Japan's electricity problems
Quick Summary of This Article
- Agile Energy X aims to address Japan's electricity issues by utilizing a system that harnesses renewable energy.
- They conduct Bitcoin mining using renewable energy and combine it with multiple technologies, such as agriculture, to build a sustainable system.
Agile Energy X has introduced a Bitcoin mining system to make effective use of surplus renewable energy electricity.
If the system is adopted by more local governments, it could have a positive impact on the development of renewable energy.
Keep an eye on Agile Energy X's efforts to solve Japan's electricity problems.
I'm now more interested in the potential of Bitcoin.
I want to know more about Bitcoin!
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Writer：Sigeru Minami
Creator of "Bitcoin-zukan.com."
Active as a handmade craftsman of Bitcoin goods.