Ethereum Co-Founder Proposes 100x Efficiency Gain With RISC-V Architecture

Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has proposed a significant overhaul of the Ethereum network by suggesting the replacement of the current Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) contract language with the RISC-V instruction set architecture. This proposal aims to enhance the speed and efficiency of the Ethereum network's execution layer, addressing several long-term bottlenecks that hinder the network's scalability.

Buterin's proposal, outlined in April, identifies key challenges such as stable data availability sampling, maintaining competitive block production, and implementing zero-knowledge EVM proving. By adopting the RISC-V architecture, Buterin believes that the Ethereum network can achieve substantial efficiency gains, potentially up to 100 times more efficient. This change would not only keep block production markets competitive but also improve the efficiency of zero-knowledge functions for the execution layer. Buterin emphasized that while the beam chain effort holds promise for simplifying the consensus layer, a radical change in the execution layer may be necessary to achieve similar gains.

The proposal comes at a time when the Ethereum network is struggling to improve its throughput and remain competitive with next-generation monolithic blockchains such as Solana and the Sui networks. Investors have been losing confidence in the original smart contract blockchain, making it crucial for Ethereum to find innovative solutions to enhance its performance and competitive edge.

Buterin's suggestion to implement the RISC-V architecture is part of a broader effort to address the network's scaling woes. The Ethereum network has faced challenges in maintaining high throughput and low transaction fees, which are essential for attracting and retaining users. The proposal to replace the EVM with RISC-V is seen as a potential solution to these issues, offering a path to greater efficiency and scalability.

The Ethereum network's struggles with scaling have been exacerbated by the rise of layer-2 scaling solutions, which have dramatically lowered transaction costs on the base layer but also cannibalized the base layer's revenue. This has led to concerns about revenue generation and the potential impact on Ethereum's market share. The proposal to adopt the RISC-V architecture is seen as a way to address these concerns and ensure the long-term viability of the Ethereum network.

In summary, Vitalik Buterin's proposal to replace the EVM with the RISC-V architecture is a bold move aimed at enhancing the Ethereum network's scalability and competitive viability. By addressing key bottlenecks and improving efficiency, this change could help Ethereum remain a leading player in the blockchain space, despite the challenges posed by next-generation blockchains and layer-2 scaling solutions.