Recent data show the Bitcoin network’s seven-day average hash rate fell below 1 ZH/s. A roughly 4.34% negative difficulty adjustment is expected in about three days, stated StandardHash CEO Leon Lyu.
Lyu cited large mining firms reallocating power to AI compute services for higher margins. He also highlighted manufacturer-led expansion, noting aggressive deployments by Bitdeer and footprint growth by Bitmain.
Competition for electricity has intensified between BTC miners and AI data centers. Grid operators and regulators have flagged rising power demand and long-term contracts for AI facilities (Ed. note: AI facilities typically generate higher revenue per megawatt than Bitcoin mining).
Industry reporting said 2025 was one of the toughest years for miners, with mining revenue falling sharply. A report observed miners faced “harshest” profit margins as hashprice fell from about $55 to $35 and BTC’s price slid from nearly $126,000.
Falling hash rate, lower hashprice and manufacturer redeployments are increasing pressure on miner profitability.
