BitFuFu to Acquire 80-MW Bitcoin Mining Facility in Ethiopia

Rhea-AI Summary

BitFuFu (NASDAQ: FUFU), a digital asset mining and cloud-mining service provider, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in an 80-megawatt (MW) Bitcoin mining facility in Ethiopia. This marks BitFuFu's shift from an asset-light strategy to managing a diverse Bitcoin mining infrastructure portfolio. The acquisition will increase BitFuFu's hosting capacity to over 600MW, with 13% in company-owned sites. The new facility has the potential to add 4.6 EH/s mining capacity using Bitmain S21-series miners, with power costs below $0.04 per kilowatt-hour. This move is expected to reduce BitFuFu's cost per Bitcoin and strengthen its international market position. CEO Leo Lu emphasized the acquisition's importance in vertical integration and portfolio diversification, highlighting plans for technological upgrades and further expansion.

Positive

• Acquisition of 80-MW Bitcoin mining facility in Ethiopia
• Increase in hosting capacity to over 600MW
• Potential addition of 4.6 EH/s mining capacity
• Low power costs below $0.04 per kilowatt-hour
• Expected reduction in cost per Bitcoin
• Expansion of global footprint and market competitiveness
• Transition towards vertical integration and portfolio diversification

Negative

• Shift from asset-light strategy may increase operational complexities
• Potential risks associated with international operations in Ethiopia

Insights

Financial Analyst

The acquisition of an 80-MW Bitcoin mining facility in Ethiopia marks a significant shift in BitFuFu's strategy, transitioning from an asset-light model to a more vertically integrated approach. This move is poised to have several positive implications:

• Increased capacity: BitFuFu's hosting capacity will exceed 600 MW, with 13% under direct ownership and operation.
• Cost reduction: With power costs below $0.04 per kWh, the company expects to lower its cost per Bitcoin mined.
• Diversification: The Ethiopian facility adds geographic diversification to BitFuFu's predominantly U.S.-based operations.
• Potential hashrate boost: The facility could add up to 4.6 EH/s of mining capacity with new Bitmain S21-series miners.

This strategic move should enhance BitFuFu's competitive position and potentially improve profitability. However, investors should monitor the execution of this transition, including the integration process and any associated costs or risks of operating in Ethiopia.

Tech Expert

BitFuFu's acquisition of the Ethiopian mining facility represents a technological leap forward for the company. The potential deployment of Bitmain S21-series miners is particularly noteworthy:

• Cutting-edge hardware: S21 miners are among the most efficient Bitcoin mining ASICs available, offering superior hashrate-to-power consumption ratios.
• Scalability: The 80 MW capacity allows for significant scaling, potentially adding 4.6 EH/s to BitFuFu's hashrate.
• Energy efficiency: Combined with low power costs, these advanced miners could significantly reduce operational expenses.

The company's plans for technological upgrades at the site suggest a forward-thinking approach to maintaining competitiveness. This move aligns with industry trends towards owning and optimizing mining infrastructure for better control over operations and costs. The success of this strategy will depend on BitFuFu's ability to efficiently manage and upgrade the facility in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BitFuFu Inc., (“BitFuFu” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: FUFU), a fast-growing digital asset mining service and world-leading cloud-mining service provider, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in an 80-megawatt (MW) Bitcoin mining facility in Ethiopia.

This transaction marks the start of the Company’s transition from an asset-light strategy to one that manages a diverse and robust portfolio of Bitcoin mining infrastructure. As of June 30, 2024, BitFuFu’s hosting capacity was 522 MW, all of which is hosted by third parties. Upon completion of this transaction, BitFuFu’s hosting capacity will surpass the 600MW mark, approximately 13% of which will reside in sites owned and operated by the Company.

The newly acquired mining facility will provide BitFuFu with the potential to add 4.6 EH/s mining capacity with the deployment of the latest Bitmain S21-series miners. With power costs averaging below US$0.04 per kilowatt-hour, this acquisition is expected to reduce BitFuFu’s cost per Bitcoin.

With the majority of BitFuFu’s mining infrastructure currently based in the United States, this acquisition strengthens the Company’s competitive advantages in the international market and further expands its footprint globally. Additionally, the new facility will create valuable employment opportunities for the local community, contributing to regional economic development.

Leo Lu, CEO and Chairman of BitFuFu, commented, “This acquisition is a critical milestone as we work to vertically integrate and transition towards a more diversified and resilient portfolio of Bitcoin mining sites. Our cloud-mining solutions provide us with the unique flexibility to sell future hashrate at fixed prices, generating capital for further expansion. As we integrate this facility into our global infrastructure, we can capitalize on lower energy costs to reduce Bitcoin production expenses, expand our operational capacity, and enhance profitability. We have already begun planning for technological upgrades to improve energy efficiency and mining capacity at this site. Moving forward, we aim to strengthen our global position by acquiring or building additional facilities and drive further innovation in the digital asset mining sector while delivering long-term value to our shareholders.”

About BitFuFu Inc.

BitFuFu is a fast-growing digital asset mining service and world-leading cloud-mining service provider. BitFuFu received early investment from Bitmain, a world-leading digital asset mining hardware manufacturer, and remains Bitmain’s sole strategic partner in the cloud mining space.

BitFuFu is dedicated to fostering a secure, compliant, and transparent blockchain infrastructure, providing a variety of stable and intelligent digital asset mining solutions to a global customer base. Leveraging its expanding global mining facility network and strategic partnership with Bitmain, BitFuFu enables institutional customers and digital asset enthusiasts to mine digital assets efficiently.

For more information, please visit https://ir.bitfufu.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of BitFuFu's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause BitFuFu's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, the Company cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

BitFuFu Investor Relations
Charley Brady
Vice President, Investor Relations
ir@bitfufu.com

Christensen Advisory
bff@christensencomms.com

FAQ

What is the capacity of the Bitcoin mining facility BitFuFu (FUFU) is acquiring in Ethiopia?

BitFuFu is acquiring a majority stake in an 80-megawatt (MW) Bitcoin mining facility in Ethiopia.

How will this acquisition affect BitFuFu's (FUFU) total hosting capacity?

The acquisition will increase BitFuFu's hosting capacity to over 600MW, with approximately 13% residing in company-owned and operated sites.

What is the potential mining capacity addition from the new facility for BitFuFu (FUFU)?

The newly acquired mining facility has the potential to add 4.6 EH/s mining capacity with the deployment of the latest Bitmain S21-series miners.

How does this acquisition impact BitFuFu's (FUFU) operational strategy?

This acquisition marks BitFuFu's transition from an asset-light strategy to managing a diverse portfolio of Bitcoin mining infrastructure, aiming for vertical integration and increased operational control.

What are the expected power costs at the new Ethiopian facility for BitFuFu (FUFU)?

The power costs at the new facility are expected to average below US$0.04 per kilowatt-hour, potentially reducing BitFuFu's cost per Bitcoin mined.