Scientists from the University of Kent's School of Computing conducted a study comparing energy consumption rates for current ASIC-based miners to proposed quantum-based solutions.

The study found that quantum-based mining systems outperformed standard mining rigs in energy efficiency, potentially saving about 126.7 TWH, which is equivalent to the total energy consumption of Sweden in 2020.

Bitcoin mining operations alone consumed more than 150 terawatt hours annually, highlighting the potential impact of quantum-based systems.

The researchers concluded that it should be possible to build miners using existing quantum technologies that demonstrate quantum advantage over classical computers, but the costs of building and maintaining a quantum computing system in the 512 qubit range have traditionally been prohibitive for most organizations.