Jimmy Carr Advocates for UK Bitcoin Mining Using Underutilized Energy Resources

Comedian Jimmy Carr suggested that the UK government explore bitcoin mining as a way to utilize excess electricity that goes unused overnight. In a Dec. 11 interview, Carr criticized the lack of a sovereign wealth fund in the UK and proposed that certain national resources, like oil, gas, and wind farms, should benefit the public instead of solely the Crown.

He argued for a more radical approach to public finances, proposing that the government could use spare energy capacity from power stations for bitcoin mining. Although he did not provide specific policy designs or figures, Carr's idea reflects a growing trend where governments consider using excess energy for cryptocurrency production.

Examples include Bhutan's state-linked bitcoin mining powered by hydropower and El Salvador's geothermal bitcoin mining operations. The concept positions bitcoin not just as an asset but as a potential state-produced reserve value.