Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Miners Cede Texas Power Ground to AI as Solar Surpasses Coal

Sangha Energy has brought its 20 MW solar-powered Bitcoin mining facility online in Texas amid ongoing challenges for the sector, as the hashprice—the estimated revenue for one petahash of mining power per day—remains near record lows. The project, which combines renewable energy with digital asset production, highlights the growing trend of miners seeking cost-effective and sustainable power sources. However, the economic pressures facing Bitcoin miners have intensified amid rising energy costs and network competition.

The new facility in Texas, a state known for its abundant energy infrastructure and deregulated grid, is part of a broader push to align cryptocurrency operations with clean energy. Texas has become a hotspot for both Bitcoin miners and AI-driven data centers, which are now outpacing crypto mining as the primary driver of new large-load power requests. This shift underscores the evolving landscape of high-energy demand in the state according to data.

ERCOT, the state's grid operator, reported a surge in interconnection requests, with 73% of the 226 gigawatts of new demand tied to AI facilities rather than Bitcoin. While Bitcoin miners were once the largest new consumers of Texas power, they have now ceded ground to AI centers, which require stable and continuous energy supplies. The growing reliance on AI infrastructure is reshaping energy planning and regulatory priorities.

A Solar Transition in Texas Energy

Texas' power system is undergoing a major transformation as solar generation has surpassed coal for the first time in 2025. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported that solar assets generated 2.64 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity from January through November, outpacing coal's 2.44 million MWh. This shift is part of a broader trend of decarbonization and grid modernization in the state.

The growth of solar power in Texas has been fueled by a 24% increase in installed capacity compared to 2024, according to the data portal Cleanview. Solar output has surged by 42% year-to-date, with monthly records being set consistently. Analysts attribute the rapid expansion to favorable climate conditions, lower equipment costs, and strong investor interest in renewable energy.

Despite the rise of solar, coal output has also increased by 10% in the same period, as gas-fired power plants face cuts due to higher natural gas prices. The shift toward coal has been a temporary response to gas cost spikes, but solar remains the fastest-growing energy source in the state. The continued expansion of solar and battery storage is expected to drive further reductions in fossil fuel reliance.

Economic Pressures and the Future of Bitcoin Mining

Bitcoin mining economics remain under pressure, with hashprice lingering near its lowest levels in recent history. The recent winter storms in Texas caused power prices to spike to $200 per megawatt hour, forcing miners to curtail operations and further squeezing profit margins. Despite three consecutive negative difficulty adjustments, the hashprice has not improved significantly, as aggressive hashrate growth and stagnant Bitcoin prices compress revenue for miners according to reports.

Infrastructure demand in Texas has surged, with large-load interconnection requests increasing by 270% year-to-date. While 9% of these requests come from Bitcoin miners, the majority—73%—are tied to AI data centers. Meeting this demand will require significant grid expansion, including investments in battery storage and natural gas generation to ensure power reliability.

MicroBT recently launched its Whatsminer M70 series, which offers an efficiency rating of 12.5 joules per terahash. However, the release comes during a difficult market cycle where equipment prices are depressed. The surplus of used ASICs on the secondary market continues to challenge new hardware adoption, as miners seek cost-effective alternatives according to market analysis.

Strategic Moves in Renewable and AI Energy

Waaree Solar Americas has secured a 288 MWp solar module order from Sabanci Renewables for two utility-scale projects in Texas—the Pepper Solar Project in Waco and the Lucky 7 Solar Project in Brashear. The deal is a major expansion for Waaree, which is supplying its next-generation 620Wp bifacial modules designed for extreme weather conditions. The modules, featuring high-resilience front glass, are intended to withstand the harsh climate of Texas.

The partnership between Waaree and Sabanci underscores the growing collaboration between solar developers and energy infrastructure firms in Texas. With solar output expected to continue growing in 2026, the state is well positioned to maintain its momentum in clean energy expansion. These developments will further solidify Texas' reputation as a leading market for solar and grid-scale storage.

KULR Technology Group has also made a strategic move into the AI data center market by joining the Open Compute Project as a Platinum Member. The company is leveraging its expertise in battery safety and thermal management to develop mission-critical energy solutions for AI infrastructure. This shift aligns KULR with NVIDIA's next-generation architectures and positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for resilient data center power according to industry reports.

Political and Regulatory Shifts

Texas is also seeing significant political developments, with Jasmine Crockett's entry into the U.S. Senate race reshaping the Democratic primary landscape. Crockett's campaign, which emphasized her experience as a federal official and her opposition to President Trump, has drawn strong support from progressive voters. She is now facing State Representative James Talarico in the primary, with recent polling showing her leading by 8 points.

Crockett's candidacy has had a ripple effect on other races, including the congressional primary for the newly drawn 33rd District. Former Rep. Colin Allred's decision to exit the Senate race and enter the congressional race has triggered a shift in the Democratic field. This realignment highlights the competitive nature of Texas politics as the party seeks to counter Republican dominance in key districts according to political analysts.

The Texas political shake-up has also led to changes in other races, including the Fort Worth mayoral race and the 32nd Congressional District contest. These developments reflect the broader trend of Democratic candidates vying for positions in a state that has historically favored Republican candidates. The increased competition is a sign of the party's growing influence in Texas.

Looking Ahead

As Texas continues to lead in clean energy and AI infrastructure development, the state is also navigating complex regulatory and political landscapes. The shift from Bitcoin mining to AI-driven energy demand is redefining the state's energy planning priorities, while solar growth is reshaping its power mix. Meanwhile, political dynamics are evolving as Democrats push to make inroads in a traditionally conservative state.

The coming months will be critical for Texas as it balances its role as a fossil fuel powerhouse with its expanding commitment to clean energy. The decisions made by regulators, policymakers, and market participants will shape the state's energy future and influence the broader national transition to renewable power.