Elon Musk Reaffirms His Stance: "Energy Is the Real Currency" and the Story of Bitcoin

In a podcast in December 2025 with entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, Elon Musk – CEO of Tesla and SpaceX – once again caught the attention of the cryptocurrency community by emphasizing that “new energy is the real currency.” This statement is seen as a clear endorsement of Bitcoin's Proof-of-Work design (PoW), while also reviving the debate surrounding the role of energy in the global financial system. Bitcoin and the Value Attached to Energy According to Musk, the core difference between Bitcoin and fiat currency lies in the fact that Bitcoin is “anchored” to energy through the PoW mining mechanism. Unlike fiat money, which can be printed at will based on policy decisions, Bitcoin requires real energy costs to produce, thus forming a more physical and objective value. This perspective shows that Musk is viewing Bitcoin as a currency system with a real foundation, where energy serves as the ultimate measure of value – in line with the philosophy that all economic activities reduce to energy consumption. The Change Compared to Previous Criticisms Notably, this statement contrasts somewhat with Musk's previous criticisms regarding the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects, he shifted to a more positive perspective: energy is not a weakness, but it can become an advantage if harnessed correctly. This is especially significant in the context of the increasing number of reports indicating that over 50% of current Bitcoin mining activities use renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar energy. Impact on Market Psychology and Community Although there has not been a significant price fluctuation immediately after Musk's statement, psychologically, this announcement could create a long-term positive impact. As one of the most influential figures in the tech world, every opinion from Musk has the potential to shape how the market and the public perceive Bitcoin. For the crypto community and those involved in the renewable energy sector, the message “Bitcoin linked to energy” can help change the narrative: from viewing energy consumption as a burden to seeing it as a driving force for innovation and investment in clean energy infrastructure. Bitcoin, Renewable Energy And Sustainability Musk's statement also aligns with the long-term trend since 2021, when the Bitcoin mining industry gradually shifted towards more sustainable solutions. Utilizing excess energy, renewable energy, or wasted energy not only helps reduce costs but also contributes to improving Bitcoin's image in the eyes of the public and policymakers. Conclusion Elon Musk's emphasis that “energy is the real currency” is not merely a philosophical statement. It reflects a new perspective – or rather a clearer one – about Bitcoin: a monetary system backed by energy and technology. In the context of ongoing debates about the environment and sustainability, this statement could become a catalyst for broader discussions about the future of Bitcoin and the role of energy in the digital economy.