Ethereum's Energy Intensity Nears Lowest Among PoS Networks
By John Nada·Jul 12, 2026·3 min read
Ethereum's PoS transition slashes energy use, places it low among PoS peers in energy intensity. Cambridge study highlights sustainability gains.
Ethereum's shift to proof-of-stake (PoS) has positioned it near the lower end of energy intensity among major PoS blockchains, according to a new Cambridge study. This change, however, doesn't mean Ethereum has become the greenest blockchain overnight. The network still uses more electricity overall than many of its PoS peers.
The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance reports that Ethereum consumes approximately 7.87 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually. This places it second-lowest in market value-adjusted energy use, consuming roughly 33 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per $1 million, just behind BNB Chain. In stark contrast, Solana, another PoS network, uses about 13.48 GWh per year, its energy intensity clocking in nearly 283 kWh per $1 million.
The study provides valuable insight into Ethereum's post-Merge energy profile, serving as a crucial benchmark for policymakers and investors seeking to understand blockchain sustainability. The analysis involved evaluating 20 combinations of Ethereum's primary software clients to map its energy consumption. A typical node set up at home used about 18 watts, while more powerful setups required around 153 watts. On average, each Ethereum node draws about 105 watts, with 8,522 discoverable full nodes counted by the researchers.
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An interesting observation from the study is the distribution of Ethereum nodes. Approximately 64% of these nodes are hosted in cloud or enterprise facilities, while 36% operate on residential connections. This split highlights varying carbon footprints based on the hosting environment and the energy grids powering them, providing a nuanced understanding of the network's overall emissions.
The analysis also sheds light on Ethereum's energy sources. About 56.4% of the network's electricity originates from renewable and nuclear sources, leaving 43.6% still dependent on fossil fuels. This mix of energy sources underscores Ethereum's ongoing reliance on traditional energy sources, even as it moves towards a more sustainable future.
Ethereum's transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake through the Merge in September 2022 dramatically cut its electricity use by over 99.9%, effectively eliminating the need for energy-hungry mining hardware. This was no small feat and a clear step forward for the network's environmental credibility. By removing the competitive mining process, Ethereum has significantly reduced its carbon footprint.
The findings from the Cambridge study underscore the importance of continued efforts in reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. The report's insights come at a crucial time as the blockchain industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. As Ethereum continues to evolve, its energy efficiency and sustainability will remain key factors for developers, investors, and policymakers alike.