Bitcoin Mining in India: Exploring the Potential of Hydroelectric Power to Mine the Digital Gold

India, the most populous nation in the world, is diverse, vivid and massive; not just by its population but also in terms of land area

Bhutan, a tiny sovereign kingdom sandwiched between two Asian giants—China and India, is quietly stacking up Bitcoin—the digital gold, all thanks to its rivers. Yes, you heard that right!

The unique topography of Bhutan allows the kingdom to strategically place its Bitcoin mining centers next to hydroelectric power plants that operate on its four major rivers—Amo Chu, Wang Chu, Punat Sang Chu & Mangde Chu. In less than five years, Bhutan has amassed over $1 Billion in Bitcoin, generating a range of 55-75 BTC per week from its mining operations.

Interestingly, all four major rivers of Bhutan merge into Brahmaputra river basin and enter India to form different rivers and its tributaries. But then what about India and why is she not utilizing her natural resources to mine Bitcoins?

India, the most populous nation in the world, is diverse, vivid and massive; not just by her population but also in terms of land area, topography and varied languages, culture as well as faith. From the arid plains of Rajasthan to the hilly terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, India encompasses 3.28 million square kilometers and is blessed with 10 perennial rivers including the holy Ganges and a flourishing ecosystem that has survived since ancient times.

Owing to her geographical location & perennially fierce rivers, India ranks 5th globally when it comes to installed hydropower generation. Just like her Himalayan neighbor Bhutan, she too has the potential to mine bitcoins and become a major player in this niche industry in the coming years.

But unlike her neighbor, India has a rather “hush-hush” approach towards cryptocurrencies in general and therefore niche sectors like bitcoin mining have remained largely neglected. While Bhutan possesses a substantial $1 Billion in bitcoin holdings, India's cryptocurrency journey is hindered by high taxes and blanket bans.

In this article, we will dissect the Bitcoin mining operations of Bhutan, revisit her unique topography and understand how India can also utilize her rivers to mine the digital gold.

What is Bitcoin Mining and why it is a lucrative business?

Bitcoin mining is a process in blockchain networks that helps in the confirmation and finalization of transactions. The miners use a specialized, high-powered computer system to mine the coins. The main work of crypto miners is to secure the network, verify the transaction, & circulate new coins.

Being a niche sector, Bitcoin mining is quite a profitable business as the collective market cap of the top 5 private Bitcoin mining firms worldwide is a staggering $1377 billion. To name a few, MARA Holdings, Riot Blockchain & Core Scientific are US-based crypto mining companies with annual turnovers of $338 billion, $376 billion, and $558 billion, respectively.

Why is Bitcoin Mining Expensive?

Bitcoin/Crypto mining farms are large industrial setups. They are usually located in remote areas where electricity setups are arranged with high-speed internet, efficient cooling systems, and ventilation. This is because bitcoin mining generates computing power equivalent to 3.7 million supercomputers.

According to experts, the mining facility should also provide protection from outdoor conditions and have proper security measures. It is for this reason, storage facilities and warehouses operate mining farms because of the above-mentioned requirements.

Some major Bitcoin Mining Firms Around The Globe

There are many other countries that are leading in the Bitcoin mining endeavor. U.S. is at the forefront, boasting a formidable infrastructure and readily available capital, making it an exceptionally appealing destination for institutional miners seeking profitable opportunities.

That’s why the top 4 miners in the top 5 spots are taken by companies based in the U.S.A. Let’s have a look at the top five Bitcoin mining companies’ list.

MARA Holdings (Market Cap $410 Billion)

At first is MARA Holdings, a firm established in Florida, which is regarded as one of the largest bitcoin miners globally with a market cap of $410 billion. It is also the second largest corporate holder of Bitcoin.

Riot Blockchain (Market Cap $398 Billion)

Keeping close is Riot Blockchain, the largest Bitcoin mining plant in North America in terms of developed capacity. The total market cap of Riot Blockchain is $398 billion.

Core Scientific (Market Cap $239.53 Billion)

Then we have Core Scientific, which has facilities in 7 U.S. states. Core Scientific’s market capitalization was $239.53 billion in February 2025. Due to this, Core Scientific is now the 3702nd most valuable firm in the world.

Bitdeer (Market Cap $219.37 Billion)

The 4th spot is taken by Bitdeer Technology Group, a Singapore-based company. The market capitalization of Bitdeer Technologies Group was $219.37 billion in February 2025.

Clean Spark (Market Cap $2