The Canton of Bern in Switzerland has made a significant move toward exploring Bitcoin mining, with its Parliament passing a bill by a vote of 85 in favor to 46 against.
Introduced in March by a 23-member multi-party Parliamentary Group, the legislation focuses on leveraging surplus energy for Bitcoin mining while promoting the use of renewable energy sources. The aim is to address energy grid stability and advance the region’s economic goals through technology-driven solutions.
Bern Parliament Explores Bitcoin Mining
Despite opposition from the Government Council, the Bern Parliament approved a proposal to examine Bitcoin mining’s impact on the canton. Dennis Porter, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Satoshi Action Fund, played a key role in drafting the legislation, as noted in his social media announcement on November 28.
Porter previously contributed to Bitcoin rights legislation in Pennsylvania, U.S., and extended his expertise to this initiative in Switzerland.
MASSIVE BREAKING: After speaking with a lawmaker in Switzerland, I can confirm he has officially passed legislation to study Bitcoin mining with a sweeping majority of votes.
The study will focus on how Bitcoin mining can balance the grid and utilize wasted energy. pic.twitter.com/y6V2D3yXCY
— Dennis Porter (@Dennis_Porter_) November 28, 2024
The proposed study will assess the feasibility of utilizing Bern’s surplus energy for mining operations, emphasizing renewable energy sources to ensure sustainability. The focus aligns with the canton’s efforts to optimize energy usage, stabilize the electricity grid, and promote economic opportunities such as job creation.
Texas Model Inspires Bern’s Energy Strategy
Drawing inspiration from Texas, USA, the Parliamentary Group seeks to replicate its model of integrating Bitcoin mining into energy policies. Local reports highlight the group’s ambition to use Bitcoin mining as a tool to balance the energy grid.
The model emphasizes the dual benefits of energy optimization and economic development, aiming to position Bern as a favorable destination for Bitcoin mining firms.
Notably, Swiss law does not recognize Bitcoin as a legal tender, keeping it outside the regulatory purview of the Swiss National Bank.
Swiss city Honors Bitcoin’s Founder
As Bern takes steps toward Bitcoin mining, another Swiss city, Lugano, has recently made headlines for its tribute to Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.
On November 24, Lugano unveiled a statue dedicated to Nakamoto, part of the 2024 Plan B Lugano forum. The initiative was a collaboration between the City of Lugano, Plan B, and Tether.
The monument, located at Lugano’s Villa Ciani, represents Nakamoto’s anonymity. The sculpture features a covered figure holding a personal computer, which transforms into an abstract form when viewed from different angles.
Tether’s CEO noted that the statue commemorates Nakamoto’s influence on global financial systems, underscoring his role in fostering decentralized innovation.
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