- The Bitcoin mining facility in Hadsel, Norway, was shut down after noise complaints
- Following the closure, local residents face a 20% increase in their electricity bills
- The facility consumed energy equivalent to that of 3,200 households per year
The Bitcoin mining facility in Hadsel, Norway, closed last week after strong protests over the noise caused by the equipment. Unfortunately, the closure will result in a 20% increase in the electricity bill for residents.
Impact of Mining Facility Closure on Local Power Costs
According to a local news outlet, the secondary effects of the presence, and later the shutdown, of the facility have not been insignificant. The mining plant was a thorn in the side for politicians and residents near the facility.
The plant, which was very demanding in terms of energy consumption, used about 80 GWh of electricity each year since its opening.
The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) article stated that this consumption is equivalent to “about 3,200 households in a year.” Additionally, the noise from the fans running 24/7 to cool the computers caused significant discontent in the neighborhood.
According to a 2022 survey, the noise from the crypto facility made local residents unhappy and even “desperate.” The company managing the plant had long defended its position, claiming that the noise always stayed within national regulatory limits.
Kjell-Børge Freiberg, the mayor of Hadsel, told NRK that now, with the complete shutdown of the facility, joy has returned to the Nordic town.
“Now,” said the mayor, “we are very, very happy in Hadsel.”
He also added that the data center had been a troublesome issue for local politicians and residents over the past three years.
The Unwanted Effects of Shutting Down the Bitcoin Mining Facility: 20% Increase in Electricity Costs for Residents
The closure of the Bitcoin mining facility has led to an increase in the electricity bill for the town’s residents. This is because the plant accounted for 20% of the local grid company Noranett’s revenue. Noranett is one of 85 companies managing the electricity grid in Norway, responsible for transporting electricity from power plants to customers through power lines.
With the shutdown of the crypto mining data center, “other electricity consumers will have to cover that cost.” “When such a large single customer shuts down overnight, it has a profound impact,” explained Robin Jakobsen, Noranett’s network manager.
According to the electricity company’s estimates, starting next month, household costs will rise. A typical family that paid 12,000-13,000 NOK (1,000-1,100 euros) per year will have to pay 2,500-3,000 NOK more after the mining operations cease.
Conclusion
In summary, the closure of the Bitcoin mining facility in Hadsel has led to a 20% increase in residents’ electricity bills. While the silence from the mining machines may seem like a relief, residents are now paying more for electricity, showing how unexpected closures can have unpleasant side effects.
