The functioning of the Bitcoin network and their mining use as much electricity as the whole Switzerland.

This shows the new program at the University of Cambridge. The tool shows how much energy a cryptocurrency network uses compared with other industries and countries. Now the program estimates that Bitcoin uses about seven gigawatts of electricity, equal to 0.21% of world electricity production.

To generate so much energy, you need seven medium-sized nuclear power plants at once. During the year, this is as much in energy consumption as in the whole of Switzerland.

“Using this comparison, we plan to communicate our idea more effectively,” said program co-founder Michel Rauchs.