Cambridge Research: Ethereum consumes only 7.87 GWh annually after merger

New Cambridge University research: Annual power consumption dropped to 7.87 GWh after Ethereum switched to PoS

According to a new report released by the Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance, Ethereum\'s transition to proof-of-stake has reduced its blockchain annual power consumption to only 7.87 GWh. This independent study found that Ethereum\'s current power consumption has dropped by more than 99.98% compared with before the merger, making it one of the most significant energy reductions in the blockchain industry.

This report provides one of the most detailed assessments of Ethereum\'s environmental footprint to date. Since Ethereum replaced the energy-intensive proof-of-work mining model with proof-of-stake in September 2022, researchers have estimated power demand and related carbon emissions by analyzing the verifier\'s infrastructure, hardware configuration and geographical distribution.

Earlier this month, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin proposed the vision of \"streamlining Ethereum,\" describing it as the most significant architectural innovation for the network since the merger. The solution aims to simplify Ethereum design while improving scalability, security and long-term sustainability.

Key findings of the Cambridge Study

Annual electricity consumption: 7.87 GWh

Network sustained electricity demand: 0.90 MW

Combined electricity decline: more than 99.98%

Annual carbon emissions: approximately 2.37 kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent

Sustainable electricity share: 56.4%

Fossil fuel electricity: 43.6%

How the merger has changed Ethereum

Prior to the merger, Ethereum relied on proof of work, with miners using professional hardware to compete to verify transactions. The continuous power consumption required for this process is estimated at approximately 2.4 GW, making Ethereum one of the most energy-intensive blockchain networks in the world.

After moving to proof of stake, verifiers ensured network operations by pledging ether rather than performing complex computing tasks. Therefore, power consumption is mainly limited to operation verification servers and network nodes, significantly reducing the energy demand of the network.

How researchers measure Ethereum\'s energy use

analyzed approximately 8522 publicly accessible Ethereum full nodes; evaluated validator hardware and server configurations; estimated power consumption based on hardware power ratings; mapped node locations to regional power grids; and calculated carbon emissions using countries \'energy structures.

Global node distribution

Research found that Ethereum\'s infrastructure is still concentrated in a few countries. The United States hosts approximately 31% of publicly accessible nodes, followed by Germany (16%), Finland (8%) and France (6%). Together, these four countries account for approximately 62% of the public infrastructure of the Internet.

Significant improvement in environmental impact

The report points out that Ethereum\'s current annual electricity consumption is less than half that of the British Museum, highlighting the scale of its energy efficiency improvements. The researchers also said that as verifier operators increasingly rely on clean power sources and renewable energy grids, the network\'s carbon footprint may be further reduced.

These findings provide independent evidence that Ethereum significantly reduces its environmental impact while maintaining network security. As institutional investors and regulators continue to focus on sustainability, the report further consolidates Ethereum\'s position as one of the most energy-efficient major blockchain networks after completing its historic transformation to proof of equity.

The Ethereum Foundation recently disbanded its agreement support team as part of a broader organizational reorganization. The team was previously responsible for coordinating Ethereum improvement proposals, core developer meetings, network upgrade tracking, and ecosystem collaboration. The move reflects the foundation\'s efforts to streamline operations while continuing to support the development of the Ethereum long-term agreement.