Bitcoin Mining as Critical Energy Infrastructure in Europe

Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll

How Bitcoin mining stabilizes European grids while monetizing curtailed renewable energy

In this episode of Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock’n’Roll, co-host Michael Blaschke sits down with Dr. Harald Rauter, Chief Growth Officer at 21Energy and board member of the European Bitcoin & Energy Association, to explore how Bitcoin mining could become critical energy infrastructure in Europe.

Against the backdrop of Europe’s competitiveness and energy crises, Harald explains why 20–40 TWh of curtailed renewable power each year is not just an energy problem but a monetary one. He walks through the economics of stranded electricity, how grid constraints destroy CAPEX and erode industrial competitiveness, and why flexible loads like Bitcoin mining can turn wasted megawatts into revenue, grid stability and, ultimately, energy sovereignty.

Michael and Harald dive into a distinctly European model of mining: modular containers co-located with wind and solar assets, Bitcoin space heaters in homes and businesses, and architectures that stack multiple income streams—from monetizing curtailed power and providing grid-balancing and reserve services to reusing heat. They contrast this with the era of hyperscale industrial farms in North America and argue that the future of mining is smaller, smarter and deeply integrated into local energy systems.

The conversation also unpacks Europe’s surprisingly favorable regulatory landscape—from MiCA to key energy and market directives—and why the real bottleneck is no longer law but awareness and institutional courage. Drawing on work across 37 countries, Harald makes a clear case: Bitcoin mining is not outside the energy system; it is part of it.

For energy companies, financial institutions and policymakers, this episode offers a concrete roadmap to rethinking Bitcoin mining as an infrastructure tool for Europe’s energy transition.

Harald Rauter, Chief Growth Officer at 21energy, on LinkedIn Co-Host Michael Blaschke on LinkedIn Intelligence Brief by the Swiss Bitcoin Institute on ‘Abundant Power, Real Value: Turning Swiss Curtailment into Industrial Advantage’ Website of 21energy 21energy on Twitter 21energy on Instagramm 21energy on YouTube 21energy on LinkedIn Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Website

Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Telegram Channel

---

Relai*: Buy Bitcoin with Relai – you can do a one-time purchase or savings plan: Click here. Use the referral code "ROCK" to reduce transaction fees by 0.1% while supporting Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll.

Value4Value Podcast Streaming: Support our podcast by listening to our episodes on the Fountain Podcast App. This way, if you wish, you can support us "Value4Value" while listening to the podcast. You can find us on the Fountain Podcast App here: Click here

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast reflects the private opinions of the hosts, serves exclusively for general information purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Always remember: Do your own research - inform yourself before making any investment decisions, such as buying Bitcoin. First try to understand what Bitcoin is and how to store it. This podcast does not provide financial advice. Note that the co-hosts might be invested in crypto assets. Read more on our website: Click here

---

All links marked with "*" are affiliate links. If you use these links for purchase, the podcast receives a small share of the revenue without any additional costs to you. On the contrary, affiliate links often include discount promotions, so you can even save money. We would appreciate it if you use these links to support us. Thank you very much!

Kapitel

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Bitcoin Mining & Energy Infrastructure (00:01:55)

3. Why now? (00:20:33)

4. What is the European model for bitcoin-mining? (00:29:10)

5. The value proposition (00:36:23)

6. The regulatory landscape (00:39:04)

7. What do institutions misunderstand about bitcoins energy-role? (00:49:15)

8. Wrap-up (00:52:41)

9. How to follow 21energy and Harald (00:53:35)