Ethereum Co-Founder Proposes RISC-V Shift to Boost Network Speed

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a significant change to the Ethereum network, suggesting the replacement of the current Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) language with the RISC-V architecture. This proposal aims to enhance the network's execution layer speed and efficiency, addressing long-standing scalability issues. Buterin emphasized the importance of RISC-V in the validity proof formal, indicating that this shift could lead to more robust and efficient smart contract execution.

The RISC-V architecture is known for its simplicity and flexibility, which could potentially make Ethereum's smart contracts more efficient and faster. By adopting RISC-V, Ethereum could benefit from improved performance and reduced costs, making it a more attractive platform for developers and users alike. This move aligns with Buterin's ongoing efforts to innovate and improve the Ethereum ecosystem, ensuring it remains competitive in the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.

Buterin's suggestion is timely, as Ethereum's legacy infrastructure is being surpassed by newer, high-performance blockchains like Solana and Sui. These monolithic chains are much more performant, and they put pressure on Ethereum to innovate or be left behind. The RISC-V architecture, already pervasive in hardware, could bring better optimization opportunities for Ethereum clients and rollups, resulting in improved performance and more efficient zero-knowledge proofs.

Buterin's proposal comes at a critical time for Ethereum. Network fees are at their lowest since 2020, averaging a mere $0.16 per transaction in April 2025. Blob fees—Ethereum layer-2 charges—are down to a paltry 3.18 ETH ($5,000) for the week ending March 30. Experts attribute the fall to reduced base-layer usage as customers shift to layer-2 solutions. While the rollups reduce costs, they also shave revenue on the base layer, raising concerns regarding the future viability of Ethereum.

Ethereum’s shrinking fee income and rising competition have dented investor confidence. Ether (ETH) has fallen to $1,580, with some analysts warning of a further drop to $1,100 if confidence erodes further. Buterin’s ambitious RISC-V proposal might offer an escape route—but also emphasizes the necessity for Ethereum to innovate in a rapidly evolving blockchain world.

The proposal has sparked discussions within the Ethereum community, with many developers and enthusiasts weighing the potential benefits and challenges of such a transition. While the idea of replacing the EVM with RISC-V is ambitious, it reflects Buterin's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with blockchain technology. The community's response will be crucial in determining the feasibility and potential impact of this proposal on the Ethereum network.

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