Itaú invests in Bitcoin mining and data centers
2024
2024
BTC
READ
CEO
Itaú has invested in Minter through its venture arm, Itaú Ventures, targeting the growing intersection of Bitcoin mining and energy infrastructure. The deal, announced in April 2026, focuses on solving energy waste in renewable generation.
Investors support mining powered by renewables
Itaú Ventures invested up to $10 million in Minter, a company building mobile data centers designed to operate near renewable energy sources.
The company deploys containerized computing units directly at generation sites, allowing unused energy to be converted into digital assets such as Bitcoin.
Key features of the model:
- mobile container-based data centers
- deployment near energy generation
- off-grid energy utilization
- focus on Bitcoin mining
CEO Stefano Sergole stated that Itaú’s backing helps build trust with energy producers.
Excess generation seeks monetization paths
The investment addresses the growing issue of energy curtailment. Renewable energy producers often reduce output due to grid limitations.
Market data shows:
- Brazil curtailed about 20% of renewable energy in 2025
- losses reached approximately $1.2 billion
- in the U.S., unused energy totaled 20 million MWh in 2024
Mobile data centers offer a solution by capturing and monetizing otherwise wasted energy.
Minter positions itself as a flexible infrastructure provider for energy producers.
Mining becomes part of energy infrastructure
Itaú’s investment may accelerate the convergence of mining and energy sectors. Mining is increasingly viewed as a tool for managing surplus energy.
Key implications include:
- growing demand for mobile data centers
- deeper integration between mining and energy
- expansion of “energy-to-Bitcoin” models
- entry of new infrastructure players
Institutional interest in crypto-related infrastructure is also increasing.
Industry shifts toward flexible infrastructure
Minter’s model reflects a broader shift toward combining energy, mining, and computing infrastructure. Bitcoin mining is evolving into a flexible energy management tool.
Company targets:
- 40 MW capacity by the end of the year
- 500 MW by 2029
- expansion in Brazil and the U.S.
According to Sergole, Bitcoin mining currently delivers the strongest profitability within the model.
Overall, the industry is moving toward flexible, energy-driven solutions where efficiency and location define competitive advantage.
