Cambridge study ranks Ethereum among greenest proof-of-stake networks

Ethereum isn't just surviving the post-merge era; it's doing it on a shoestring power budget. A fresh study from the University of Cambridge estimates the network now consumes just 7.87 GWh annually. That's a rounding error compared to its proof-of-work days. Researchers found Ethereum carries the second-lowest energy intensity relative to its market value among all major proof-of-stake chains. While critics often lump all digital assets into one carbon-heavy bucket, these figures tell a different story about the network's efficiency. The data shows that securing billions in liquidity doesn't necessarily require a massive environmental footprint. This puts Ethereum in a unique spot as institutional investors increasingly demand strict ESG compliance before allocating capital. If these numbers hold, the pressure shifts to other protocols to prove they can match this level of output with such little input. Can the rest of the industry keep up with this efficiency benchmark?