Switzerland's Bern state explores using Bitcoin mining to absorb surplus electricity and stabilize the power grid

According to Decrypt, the Swiss canton of Bern's parliament passed a proposal with 85 votes in favor and 46 against, to explore using Bitcoin mining to absorb excess electricity and stabilize the power grid. The proposal was put forward by a cross-party Bitcoin parliamentary group on March 14, 2024, and was approved despite government opposition. The proposal requires the government to submit reports on three key aspects: identifying unused energy areas in Bern, assessing the feasibility of cooperating with Swiss mining companies for Bitcoin mining, and analyzing its potential to stabilize the power grid during periods of electricity supply fluctuations.