Fort Worth Becomes First U.S. City to Mine Bitcoin

Fort Worth, Texas, has officially begun mining Bitcoin by deploying three Bitmain Antminer S9 rigs inside City Hall, marking a pioneering move by a U.S. city.

The initiative demonstrates Fort Worth’s engagement in emerging digital technologies. The mining project’s minimal financial footprint suggests emphasis on education and symbolic leadership rather than immediate revenue.

Fort Worth’s program is a municipal initiative led by city officials, with three Antminer S9 rigs installed at City Hall in a six-month pilot. This project, occurring solely within government premises, indicates an educational approach.

With only three rigs, the global Bitcoin hashrate remains unaffected. The financial commitment is primarily for equipment and electricity, reinforcing its educational objective. No other cryptocurrencies are currently being mined.

The broader implications of Fort Worth’s move could serve as a model for other cities. While there are no significant market impacts, the symbolic nature highlights local government interest in cryptocurrency.

Future initiatives could influence other municipalities’ approaches to digital currencies. The Texas Blockchain Council has noted Bitcoin mining’s flexible energy consumption as beneficial for the grid, though this is not city-specific.

Texas Blockchain Council, Industry Association, “Bitcoin mining is strengthening the grid by turning off their machines when power demand spikes. They also soak up stranded energy in rural areas… These kinds of flexible loads are crucial for grids of the future.” – source

Fort Worth’s efforts may inspire further public sector involvement in digital currencies. Although currently limited, growing interest could potentially lead to regulatory considerations and expanded public-sector engagements with blockchain technologies.