Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes Edition #50

Bitcoin’s Cycle, Sustainable Mining, & Crypto’s Next Policy Moves

February 8, 2025

Hello Blockchain Enthusiast,

Welcome to Edition #50 of Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes! Bitcoin’s historical four-year cycle is back in focus—will the pattern hold, or is the market taking a different turn? Meanwhile, sustainable mining is gaining attention, and regulatory discussions in Washington could shape crypto’s next phase.

Tech Spotlight: Sustainable Bitcoin Mining—how mining operations are adapting to a greener future.
Weekly Highlights: More US states are considering Bitcoin reserves, the Czech Republic has removed capital gains tax on long-term crypto holdings, and BlackRock is making bigger moves in Bitcoin.
Affiliate Spotlight: Keeping digital assets safe is non-negotiable—Ledger hardware wallets provide an extra layer of security.
Chart of the Week: Bitcoin’s four-year cycle—proven formula or outdated concept?

🧠 Weekly Trivia

Which Web3 browser is designed to block trackers, support decentralized applications, and reward users with its native token?

A) Brave
B) Opera Crypto Browser
C) Metamask Browser
D) Firefox

*Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

🌟 Tech Spotlight – Sustainable Bitcoin Mining – Fact or Fiction?

Bitcoin’s energy consumption has sparked debate, but mining operations are adapting. From tapping into stranded energy to turning waste into power, the industry is proving that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The Shift Toward Greener Mining

Hydroelectric & Solar: Bitcoin mining farms in Canada, Paraguay, and Texas are increasingly powered by hydroelectric and solar energy.
Methane Capture: Companies like Crusoe Energy harness methane emissions from oil drilling to power mining rigs—turning waste into electricity.
Grid Balancing and Demand Response: Bitcoin miners in Texas are working with power grids to reduce strain during peak hours, showing how mining can support infrastructure.

Is It Enough?

The numbers back the shift—over 50% of Bitcoin mining now relies on sustainable energy sources, with the percentage rising as technology advances. With growing institutional interest and a heightened focus on environmental impact, mining operations that fail to adapt may find themselves left behind.

📰 This Week’s Blockchain and Web3 Highlights

More US States Weigh Bitcoin Reserves: Utah is closest to implementing a bill allowing 5% of state reserves to be held in Bitcoin.

Czech Republic Exempts Crypto Gains: Holding Bitcoin for over three years will no longer trigger capital gains tax, making it one of the most crypto-friendly nations in Europe.

US Regulators Eye Stablecoins for Collateral: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is exploring a pilot program using tokenized assets as financial collateral.

Bitcoin’s Next Move? Bond Market Says Watch the Yields: Analysts suggest that if 10-year US Treasury yields stay below 4.5%, Bitcoin could hit new all-time highs.

Sony’s Soneium Releases First Music NFT Collection: Sony’s blockchain division launches a music NFT project, raising questions about mass adoption.

BlackRock Expands Bitcoin Holdings: The asset management giant now owns 5% of Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), reinforcing institutional Bitcoin demand.

Bitcoin $500K by 2028?: Standard Chartered’s latest forecast puts Bitcoin at half a million within three years, citing long-term demand.

🔗 Affiliate Spotlight: Ledger Hardware Wallets

Holding Bitcoin or any other digital asset is one thing—keeping it safe is another. Exchanges get hacked, phishing scams lurk everywhere, and online wallets aren’t always reliable. A hardware wallet like Ledger puts you in control.

Private keys stay offline, safe from cyber threats.
Supports multiple cryptocurrencies, so you can manage everything in one place.
Easy to use, with a sleek design and intuitive interface.

I trust Ledger for securing digital assets, and if you’re serious about long-term storage, it’s one of the better choices out there.

🔐 Check out Ledger wallets here: Ledger Hardware Wallet

😂 A Little Blockchain Humor Break 🤣

Source: Naiive

📊 Chart of the Week: Bitcoin’s Four-Year Cycle – Will It Hold?

Bitcoin has historically followed a four-year rhythm—three years of growth, followed by a cooling-off period. With 2023 and 2024 posting strong returns, all eyes are on whether 2025 will continue the cycle or break the pattern altogether.

What History Says: Every four-year stretch since 2010 has played out with a similar pattern, but institutional demand and regulatory shifts could change the game.
What’s Different Now: Washington’s stance on digital assets is shifting, and mainstream finance is more involved than ever. If government policies lean pro-crypto, this could extend Bitcoin’s momentum beyond 2026.

Key Question: Will 2025 be another record year, or has the market outgrown the cycle?

Source: Bitwise

That wraps up this week’s edition! Bitcoin’s four-year cycle remains a hot topic—will history repeat, or is the market moving in a new direction? Sustainable mining is proving that Bitcoin can be greener, and institutional interest continues to grow. Also, check out this week’s Affiliate Spotlight on Ledger hardware wallets to safeguard your digital assets.

Trivia Answer: A) Brave

Brave browser is built for Web3, blocking trackers, integrating with decentralized applications, and rewarding users with Basic Attention Token (BAT).

See you next week with more insights, updates, and another round of blockchain trivia!

Warm regards,
Ajay Tomar

Disclaimer:

Content in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, tax, or legal advice. Always do your research and consult with a professional before making financial decisions. As a solopreneur, I may earn commissions from affiliate links in this newsletter at no extra cost to you. This support helps me bring you valuable content. I only endorse products I trust and believe could benefit you.