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Bhutan’s Bold Leap into the Cryptocurrency Era with Hydropower

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In a remarkable showcase of innovation and economic foresight, the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has harnessed what was once considered a resource with limited economic potential into a financial powerhouse. By generating $1 billion worth of Bitcoin, Bhutan has not only transformed its energy landscape but has also significantly boosted its GDP, with this crypto wealth constituting 34% of its total economic output.

Hydropower: Bhutan’s Natural Treasure

Bhutan, known for its commitment to environmental conservation and its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, has long relied on its abundant hydropower resources. With rivers fed by the ancient Himalayan glaciers, the kingdom has tapped into this clean, renewable energy source to not only meet its domestic needs but also to export electricity, primarily to India. However, the surplus during monsoon seasons often went unused, creating a scenario of “stranded” energy.

The Bitcoin Mining Revolution

The advent of Bitcoin mining provided an unexpected but lucrative avenue for Bhutan to monetize this excess hydropower. Bitcoin mining requires vast amounts of electricity to solve complex mathematical problems, a process that verifies transactions and adds them to the blockchain. Recognizing the potential, Bhutan began mining operations when Bitcoin prices were relatively low, leveraging its hydropower to minimize the environmental footprint of this energy-intensive activity.

  • Economic Impact: This crypto initiative has seen Bhutan mine over 13,000 Bitcoins, which at current valuation, equates to $1 billion. This figure represents a staggering 34% of Bhutan’s GDP, illustrating a strategic diversification of its economic base beyond traditional sectors like agriculture, tourism, and energy exports.
  • Environmental and Economic Symbiosis: By using hydropower, Bhutan has positioned itself as a leader in eco-friendly mining. This not only aligns with its environmental ethos but also sets a precedent for other nations on how to balance technological advancement with ecological responsibility.
  • Global Recognition: Bhutan’s success story in Bitcoin mining has put it on the map as the fourth-largest government holder of Bitcoin globally. This has drawn attention from cryptocurrency enthusiasts and environmentalists alike, showcasing a model where economic growth and environmental stewardship can coexist.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Regulatory Landscape: As Bhutan dives deeper into cryptocurrencies, it faces the challenge of navigating an evolving regulatory landscape both domestically and internationally. While the potential for revenue is clear, so too are the complexities of international crypto laws and the volatility of cryptocurrency markets.
  • Energy Dependency: While hydropower is renewable, it’s also subject to climatic variability. Droughts or changes in river flow could impact the efficiency and profitability of mining operations, necessitating a broader energy strategy or international collaboration for energy security.
  • Economic Diversification: With such a significant portion of GDP now tied to Bitcoin, there’s a strategic need for Bhutan to continue diversifying its economy to mitigate risks associated with cryptocurrency market fluctuations.

Looking Forward

Bhutan’s venture into Bitcoin mining through hydropower is more than just an economic strategy; it’s a narrative of how small nations can leverage local resources in innovative ways to participate in global economic trends. As Bhutan continues to expand its mining operations, potentially through partnerships with global tech firms, it’s setting the stage for a new chapter in its economic development. This initiative not only promises financial prosperity but also reinforces Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development, potentially influencing similar strategies worldwide.

The Kingdom’s journey with Bitcoin reflects a broader global shift towards recognizing digital currencies as legitimate economic assets. Bhutan’s success might encourage other nations, especially those with untapped renewable resources, to explore similar paths, possibly leading to a new era where energy and digital currency policies are closely intertwined for economic benefit and environmental sustainability.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. CoinReporter.io and EUReporter.co does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

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$142 Billion Shopify Partners with Coinbase to Enable Crypto Payments for 5.5 Million Merchants

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$142 Billion Shopify Partners with Coinbase to Enable Crypto Payments for 5.5 Million Merchants

In a groundbreaking move for e-commerce and cryptocurrency adoption, Shopify, the $142 billion global commerce platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, to integrate crypto payments across its vast network of 5.5 million merchants. This collaboration marks a significant step toward mainstreaming digital currencies in online retail, potentially reshaping how businesses and consumers transact in the digital age.

A Game-Changing Partnership

Shopify, known for powering millions of online stores worldwide, has been a pioneer in embracing innovative payment solutions. Since 2020, the platform has supported cryptocurrency payments through integrations with providers like Coinbase Commerce, BitPay, and CoinPayments, allowing merchants to accept over 1,800 digital currencies. The latest partnership with Coinbase, announced in June 2025, builds on this foundation by introducing a landmark stablecoin deal, further streamlining crypto payments for Shopify’s expansive merchant base.

Coinbase, a trusted name in the crypto industry with over 110 million verified users and a robust payment infrastructure, brings its Coinbase Commerce platform to the table. This service enables merchants to accept payments in popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), and more, with instant settlement and low transaction fees. The integration also includes support for stablecoins, which are pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar, offering merchants price stability and reducing the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies.

Why This Matters for Shopify’s 5.5 Million Merchants

With 5.5 million merchants operating on Shopify’s platform, spanning small businesses to global brands, this partnership unlocks a wealth of opportunities. Here’s why this move is a game-changer:

  1. Access to New Markets: Cryptocurrencies enable frictionless cross-border transactions, allowing merchants to tap into a global customer base without the hurdles of traditional banking systems or currency conversion fees. This is particularly valuable for small businesses looking to expand internationally.
  2. Lower Transaction Costs: Traditional payment processors often charge fees of 3% or more per transaction. In contrast, crypto payments via Coinbase Commerce typically incur fees of around 1%, boosting merchants’ profit margins.
  3. Enhanced Security and No Chargebacks: Blockchain technology ensures secure, transparent transactions that are nearly impossible to alter. Additionally, crypto payments eliminate the risk of chargebacks, a common issue in e-commerce that can lead to revenue losses.
  4. Appealing to Crypto-Savvy Consumers: With over 221 million identity-verified crypto users globally as of 2021, and growing adoption since, offering crypto payments caters to a tech-savvy demographic that values privacy, security, and innovation. Merchants can attract new customers who prefer paying with digital currencies.
  5. Stablecoin Integration: The inclusion of stablecoins like USDC provides merchants with a reliable payment option that mitigates the volatility of other cryptocurrencies, making it easier to convert earnings to fiat currencies like USD or CAD.

How It Works for Merchants

Integrating crypto payments on Shopify is straightforward. Merchants can enable Coinbase Commerce through Shopify’s App Store by following these steps:

  1. Sign Up for Coinbase Commerce: Create a Coinbase Commerce account and generate an API key.
  2. Install the App: Add the Coinbase Commerce app from Shopify’s App Store and link it to the merchant’s Coinbase account.
  3. Configure Settings: Customize payment options to accept preferred cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDC.
  4. Test and Launch: Run a test transaction to ensure seamless processing, then go live with crypto payments at checkout.

Once activated, customers can select “Pay with Crypto” at checkout, sending payments directly from their crypto wallets to the merchant’s Coinbase Commerce account. Merchants can choose to hold cryptocurrencies or convert them to fiat currencies instantly, with settlements processed in real time.

The Bigger Picture: Crypto Adoption in E-Commerce

This partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency adoption. Despite a 40% market downturn in 2022, the value of global crypto transactions is projected to reach $16.16 billion in 2023, a 70.5% increase from the previous year. Shopify’s move aligns with a growing trend among major companies integrating crypto payments, including partnerships with providers like Crypto.com and Strike.

Posts on X reflect the excitement surrounding this development, with users calling it a “game-changer for crypto adoption” and predicting a spike in transaction volume and on-chain activity. The sentiment underscores the potential for Shopify’s vast merchant network to drive mainstream acceptance of digital currencies.

However, challenges remain. Cryptocurrency transactions can face longer settlement times during high-demand events like flash sales, potentially causing overselling. Merchants must also navigate varying legal frameworks, as some countries impose restrictions or high taxes on crypto transactions. For example, India levies a 30% tax on crypto profits, while El Salvador has embraced Bitcoin as legal tender.

What’s Next for Shopify and Coinbase?

The Shopify-Coinbase partnership is a bold step toward a future where cryptocurrencies are a standard payment option in e-commerce. By leveraging Coinbase’s secure and scalable infrastructure, Shopify is positioning its merchants to stay ahead in a competitive market. The inclusion of stablecoins and the potential for zero-transaction-fee promotions, as seen in past integrations, further sweeten the deal for merchants.

As consumer demand for crypto payments grows—78% of consumers are more likely to buy from merchants accepting cryptocurrencies—this partnership could redefine the e-commerce landscape. For Shopify’s 5.5 million merchants, it’s an opportunity to boost sales, reduce costs, and embrace the future of digital commerce.

For more information on setting up crypto payments, Shopify merchants can visit the Shopify App Store or Coinbase Commerce’s website. To explore Shopify’s subscription plans, check out https://www.shopify.com. For details on Coinbase’s services, visit https://www.coinbase.com.[](https://www.inventorysource.com/future-ecommerce-crypto-payments-shopify/)

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