TLDR
- Matthew Sigel from VanEck highlights that Bitcoin mining operations control power infrastructure that AI facilities are struggling to develop over multi-year timelines
- Mining companies show significant undervaluation relative to conventional data center operators when analyzed by market capitalization per megawatt
- MARA is transforming mining facilities into hyperscale data center locations; Core Scientific obtained financing up to $1 billion through Morgan Stanley for AI infrastructure development
- Network hash rate from miners worldwide declined 6% since November 2025 highs, partially attributed to hardware reallocation toward AI applications
- CleanSpark indicated that Bitcoin mining capital deployment lacks appeal at present hash prices when weighed against AI infrastructure returns
Bitcoin mining operations possess power infrastructure that artificial intelligence companies are urgently seeking. According to Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s head of digital asset research, financial markets haven’t yet recognized this strategic positioning.
Sigel shared these observations during an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, characterizing miners as holding an exceptional advantage since they’ve already secured land parcels, electricity agreements, thermal management systems, and utility relationships that traditional data center developers require multiple years to establish.
Connecting new data center facilities to electrical grids involves navigating interconnection waiting lists that extend through 2028 and potentially further. Mining operations have already bypassed these obstacles.
Despite possessing these advantages, Sigel noted that mining enterprises continue trading at substantial discounts compared to established data center companies when evaluated through market capitalization per megawatt metrics. Markets are either overlooking the AI infrastructure opportunity or remain skeptical about miners’ capability to successfully transition.
Current data indicates the transition is underway. Publicly-traded mining companies project expanding from 7 gigawatts of current capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2027.
The Deals Are Already Being Done
This strategic shift extends beyond discussion. MARA announced an agreement in February focused on transforming its mining locations into hyperscale data center facilities. Core Scientific obtained financing reaching $1 billion from Morgan Stanley last week specifically to support its AI infrastructure transition.
CleanSpark took a frank approach. The firm stated during Q1 2026 that allocating capital to Bitcoin mining lacks financial justification at prevailing hash prices when contrasted with AI infrastructure opportunities.
This reallocation appears in network metrics. Worldwide miner hash rate has fallen 6% from November 2025 peaks. A portion of this decline results from mining equipment being redirected toward AI computational tasks instead of Bitcoin validation.
Network security hasn’t been compromised thus far, though continued monitoring remains important.
Conversely, Bitdeer continues expanding its mining footprint. The operation is installing 50,000 proprietary ASICs across 413 megawatts of capacity, potentially contributing 33 exahashes per second to network power and generating $335 million in additional Bitcoin revenue at existing price levels.
Grid Balancing Is Now a Sellable Service
An additional opportunity exists beyond AI hosting services. Mining operations can reduce electricity consumption instantly upon request. As AI computing clusters and industrial manufacturing expansion increase strain on domestic electrical grids, this operational flexibility carries significant economic value.
Sigel characterized this capability as an effective load management mechanism. During peak demand periods when grids require additional capacity, mining facilities can curtail operations. Power consumers maintain service continuity. Miners sacrifice marginal revenue, though this responsive capacity now represents a monetizable service offering.
AI data center electricity demand is projected to grow 24% annually through 2030, according to sector analysts.
Q1 2026 earnings announcements will provide the initial comprehensive assessment of AI transition progress. Market observers will scrutinize power capacity metrics, AI partnership disclosures, and curtailment revenue streams.
Core Scientific’s $1 billion financing arrangement with Morgan Stanley was finalized last week.
