In an era where the climate crisis is front and center, it’s time to shine a light on an unexpected culprit: hot tubs. Yes, you heard that right. While we’re all up in arms about Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption, there’s another energy hog lurking in suburban backyards and luxury resorts: the beloved hot tub. Prepare yourselves for some righteous indignation as we delve into the shocking truth about hot tubs and their environmental impact.
Estimating the Number of Hot Tubs Worldwide
Let’s break down just how many of these backyard energy guzzlers are out there:
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Residential Hot Tubs (Primary Residences):
Approximately 14 million residential hot tubs worldwide, according to data from industry sources like the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA).
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Vacation Homes and Second Homes:
Vacation and second homes are havens for hot tubs. We estimate around 2.75 million hot tubs in such properties. Because apparently, one hot tub per household just isn’t enough!
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Apartment Complexes:
Communal hot tubs in apartment complexes? You bet. We’re looking at an estimated 16 million hot tubs across these complexes.
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Commercial Hot Tubs (Hotels, Resorts, Gyms, etc.):
Commercial establishments, like hotels and gyms, are no strangers to hot tubs. We estimate around 1.5 million hot tubs in these facilities.
Combining these figures, we arrive at an astounding total of 34.25 million hot tubs worldwide. Yes, you read that correctly. Thirty-four-point-two-five million hot tubs. Let that sink in.
Energy Consumption of Hot Tubs
Now, let’s talk about the energy these hot tubs consume. Grab a chair and try not to fall out of it.
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Annual Energy Consumption per Hot Tub:
On average, a hot tub uses about 3,650 kWh per year. That’s more than some small households’ total annual energy consumption!
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Total Annual Energy Consumption for 34.25 million Hot Tubs:
[ 3,650 \text{ kWh/year} \times 34,250,000 \text{ hot tubs} = 124,162,500,000 \text{ kWh/year} = 124.1625 \text{ TWh/year} ]
Energy Consumption of Bitcoin Mining
Now, let’s turn our attention to Bitcoin mining, the reigning villain of energy consumption in the popular narrative. According to the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index (CBECI), Bitcoin mining consumes an estimated annual energy of:
- Estimated range: 100–150 TWh/year
- Best estimate: 125 TWh/year
Bitcoin mining has made strides towards sustainability. As of January 2024, approximately 54.5% of Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption comes from sustainable sources (Cointelegraph).
Utilizing Otherwise Wasted Energy
Bitcoin mining isn’t just drawing from existing renewable energy; it’s also effectively using energy that would otherwise go to waste:
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Flare Gas Operations:
Some Bitcoin mining operations utilize flare gas, a byproduct of oil extraction that is usually burned off. By capturing this flare gas, Bitcoin miners can convert it into electricity for mining. A study by Crusoe Energy Systems suggests that about 2% of Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption comes from flare gas.
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Basement of Power Plants:
Bitcoin miners also set up operations in power plants to use excess generation capacity that would otherwise be wasted. According to recent estimates, approximately 4% of Bitcoin mining utilizes excess power from power plants.
Total Renewable and Wasted Energy Usage for Bitcoin Mining
Combining the figures:
- Renewable energy sources: 54.5%
- Flare gas utilization: 2%
- Excess power from power plants: 4%
Total percentage of Bitcoin mining energy consumption from renewable and otherwise wasted sources: [ 54.5% + 2% + 4% = 60.5% ]
Comparing the Two
Brace yourselves.
- Heating 34.25 million hot tubs:
Estimated annual energy consumption: 124.1625 TWh/year. - Bitcoin Mining:
Estimated annual energy consumption: 125 TWh/year.
Yes, folks, the energy consumption for heating hot tubs is nearly equivalent to the energy used for Bitcoin mining. Yet, where is the outrage? Where are the protestors chaining themselves to hot tubs in defiance?
Renewable Energy Consumption
Bitcoin Mining and Renewable Energy
Bitcoin mining has seen a notable shift towards renewable energy sources and the use of otherwise wasted energy. As of January 2024, approximately 60.5% of Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption comes from sustainable sources or otherwise wasted energy.
Hot Tubs and Renewable Energy
Hot tubs, on the other hand, are lagging behind. As of 2023, approximately 30% of global electricity consumption comes from renewable sources (IRENA). Therefore, it is estimated that around 30% of hot tubs worldwide are powered by renewable energy. So, most hot tubs are happily guzzling non-renewable energy as their users soak away, blissfully unaware.
Conclusion
The comparison of energy consumption of hot tubs vs. Bitcoin mining reveals that the total annual energy consumption for heating hot tubs (124.1625 TWh) is nearly equivalent to the energy used for Bitcoin mining (125 TWh). This shocking similarity underscores the significant energy demands associated with recreational amenities like hot tubs, which are often overlooked in discussions about energy usage.
Additionally, while Bitcoin mining relies heavily on renewable energy (60.5%) and effectively uses otherwise wasted energy, hot tubs align more closely with general household energy consumption trends, with an estimated 30% powered by renewable sources.
As we continue to seek ways to reduce our global carbon footprint, it’s crucial to consider all aspects of energy consumption. While the debate around Bitcoin mining’s environmental impact is well-publicized, the energy used for heating millions of hot tubs worldwide is an equally important topic that deserves attention.
So, perhaps it’s time for environmentalists to stop focusing so much on Bitcoin, which brings financial inclusion to millions of people worldwide, and start paying attention to those who like to sit in a bowl of human soup with their friends.
Disclosures: Not investment advice. The Author, Sarson Funds, Inc. and its affiliated managers may hold positions in the projects mentioned. Talk with your financial advisor before making any investment decisions or have them contact Sarson Funds directly at [email protected].
