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 (PoW) design, while also reigniting the debate surrounding the role of energy in the global financial system.

Bitcoin and the Value Associated with Energy

According to Musk, the core difference between Bitcoin and fiat money lies in the fact that Bitcoin is “anchored” to energy through the PoW mining mechanism. Unlike fiat money, which can be printed at the discretion of policymakers, 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 plays the role of the ultimate measure of value – consistent with the philosophy that all economic activity boils down to energy consumption.

The Shift Compared to Previous Criticisms

Notably, this statement has a certain contrast 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 outlook: energy is not a weakness, but can become an advantage if harnessed correctly.

This is particularly significant in the context of an increasing number of reports showing that over 50% of current Bitcoin mining activity uses renewable energy, such as hydropower, wind, and solar energy.

Impact on Market Psychology and Community

Although no significant price volatility has been recorded immediately after Musk's statement, in terms of psychology, this declaration could create a long-lasting positive impact. With his position as one of the most influential figures in the technology world, each of Musk's viewpoints has the potential to shape how the market and the public perceive Bitcoin.

For the crypto community and those working in renewable energy, the message of “Bitcoin linked to energy” could 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 statements are also in line with the long-term trend since 2021, when the Bitcoin mining industry gradually shifted towards more sustainable solutions. Utilizing surplus 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 just a philosophical statement. It reflects a new perspective – or more accurately, a clarified view – on Bitcoin: a currency 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.