Pakistan is pursuing two separate energy-monetization strategies: channeling surplus electricity into Bitcoin mining and capturing methane from landfills for carbon credits. Although both initiatives are government-backed, they have not been combined into a single operation.
In May 2025, the Pakistan Crypto Council, led by Bilal Bin Saqib, announced plans to allocate approximately 2,000 MW of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data center operations. The power derives from coal-fired plants currently operating at roughly 15% capacity, representing infrastructure costs for generation that largely remains unused.
Landfill Methane Projects
Separately, Pakistani authorities are advancing methane capture at major landfill sites. The Mehmood Booti dumpsite, a 43-acre facility that has accumulated approximately 13 million tons of waste since 1997, is a primary focus. The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) are leading efforts there.
An investment of roughly Rs5 billion (approximately $17.86 million) is directed toward methane capture, flaring, energy conversion, leachate treatment, urban forestry, and solar park construction at Mehmood Booti. The project targets generation of around 100,000 tons of carbon credits annually, with projected revenue exceeding Rs2 billion per year.
The Lakhodair site focuses on generating carbon credits under Article 6 carbon market frameworks. These projects prioritize carbon credit generation and emissions reduction rather than powering cryptocurrency operations.
Landfills account for roughly 73% of Pakistan's waste sector emissions and approximately 3% of the country's overall greenhouse gas inventory. Methane capture prevents atmospheric release and can be monetized through international carbon trading mechanisms.
Why Integration Has Not Occurred
While landfill-gas-to-Bitcoin operations exist in the United States and elsewhere, Pakistan's two initiatives remain on separate tracks. The methane projects are focused on carbon market revenue, while the Bitcoin mining initiative targets monetization of surplus coal power. No confirmed integrated project has been announced.
A methane-powered Bitcoin mining operation would require additional infrastructure connecting gas capture systems to generators to mining hardware, along with corresponding regulatory and engineering coordination.
If Pakistan eventually bridges these initiatives, it would join a small but growing group of countries and companies using waste-derived energy for Bitcoin mining. Until integration occurs, the country is advancing two distinct energy monetization bets.
