Iris Energy Secures Pathway to 20 EH/s in 2024 Via Miner Purchase Option

Rhea-AI Summary

Iris Energy Limited (NASDAQ: IREN) has announced an agreement with Bitmain Technologies Delaware Limited to increase its self-mining capacity up to 20 EH/s in 2024. The company is focusing on completing the current expansion to 10 EH/s, with additional purchases and options to reach 20 EH/s by the end of the year. The operating capacity is set to increase from the current 5.6 EH/s to 20 EH/s, pending the exercise of miner purchase options. The overall fleet efficiency for 20 EH/s is projected to improve to 21.9 J/TH. The company will make decisions on exercising the miner purchase options based on market conditions, shareholder value, and funding availability.

Market Research Analyst

The announcement by Iris Energy Limited regarding its agreement with Bitmain Technologies to potentially expand its self-mining capacity up to 20 EH/s in 2024 represents a significant stride in the cryptocurrency mining industry. The current operational capacity of 5.6 EH/s, with a planned increase to 10 EH/s in the first half of 2024 and an option to double that by the end of the year, indicates an aggressive growth strategy. This expansion is backed by the procurement of new Bitmain T21 miners at a competitive fixed price of $14/TH, which could enhance the company's cost efficiency and profitability, especially given the volatile nature of cryptocurrency prices.

Moreover, the option to purchase additional miners at a fixed price in the second half of 2024 provides Iris Energy with a hedge against future price escalations of mining equipment. The projected improvement in fleet efficiency to 21.9 J/TH upon full exercise of the miner purchase options suggests a focus on not just scaling operations but doing so with an eye on energy efficiency. This is particularly relevant as the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining comes under increasing scrutiny. Investors may view these developments positively, as they signify both operational growth and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Financial Analyst

The financial implications of Iris Energy's expansion plan are multifaceted. The fixed price agreement for the new miners mitigates the risk of cost inflation in a sector where equipment prices can be highly volatile. However, the capital required to fund this expansion is substantial and the company's decision-making process regarding the exercise of miner purchase options will likely be influenced by its ability to secure funding and the prevailing market conditions.

Should the company exercise all its options, the doubling of its operational capacity could potentially lead to a significant increase in revenue, assuming Bitcoin's price and mining difficulty remain favorable. However, this also exposes the company to greater operational risks and potential financial strain if market conditions deteriorate. The mention of flexibility in utilizing miner purchase options for fleet upgrades suggests a prudent approach to capital management, allowing the company to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Investors should monitor the company's financial health, particularly its cash flow and funding sources, as these will be critical in supporting the planned expansion. The long-term success of the venture hinges not only on the company's operational execution but also on the broader cryptocurrency market trends and regulatory environment.

Energy Sector Analyst

Iris Energy's emphasis on powering its Bitcoin mining operations with 100% renewable energy aligns with the broader industry trend towards sustainable mining practices. The Childress project's capacity to support expansion up to 20 EH/s by the end of 2024 highlights the company's commitment to scaling operations in an environmentally responsible manner. This approach could give Iris Energy a competitive advantage as consumers and investors increasingly favor companies with lower carbon footprints.

Efficiency improvements such as the anticipated 21.9 J/TH fleet efficiency are critical in reducing the overall energy consumption per unit of Bitcoin mined, which contributes to the sustainability of the operation. With the energy sector facing global pressure to transition to renewable sources, Iris Energy's business model may be well-positioned to capitalize on incentives for green energy usage and could potentially shield itself from the volatility of traditional energy prices.

Given the energy-intensive nature of Bitcoin mining, the company's ability to maintain a 100% renewable energy supply will be a key factor in its operational stability and public perception. Stakeholders with an interest in renewable energy and sustainable business practices will likely follow Iris Energy's progress closely, as it could set a precedent for environmental responsibility in the cryptocurrency mining sector.

SYDNEY, Australia, Jan. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iris Energy Limited (NASDAQ: IREN) (together with its subsidiaries, “Iris Energy” or “the Company”), a leading owner and operator of institutional-grade, highly efficient Bitcoin mining data centers powered by 100% renewable energy, today announced it is has entered into an agreement with Bitmain Technologies Delaware Limited (“Bitmain”) which provides a pathway to increase its self-mining capacity up to 20 EH/s in 2024.

Key Highlights

• Immediate focus on completing current expansion to 10 EH/s
• 10 EH/s of new Bitmain T21 miners secured for 2024 at a fixed price of $14/TH¹:
  • 1 EH/s additional purchase to initiate growth beyond 10 EH/s
  • 9 EH/s of miner purchase options exercisable in H2 2024
• Childress project can support expansion to 20 EH/s by end of the year
  

With current operating capacity of 5.6 EH/s, the Company is now purchasing a total of 5.3 EH/s² from Bitmain, with options to purchase up to an additional 9.1 EH/s³ at a price of $14/TH in H2 2024.

If the miner purchase options are exercised in full, overall fleet efficiency for 20 EH/s would improve to 21.9 J/TH.

Company operating capacity:

• Current: 5.6 EH/s
• H1 2024: 10 EH/s
• *H2 2024: 20 EH/s (Childress Phase 2-3, +200MW)
  

* Subject to exercise of miner purchase options.

Decisions with respect to exercising all, some or none of the miner purchase options will be made during 2024, taking into consideration market conditions, shareholder value and funding availability.

In addition, the Company retains flexibility to utilize miner purchase options for purposes of upgrading some or all of its existing fleet.

About Iris Energy

Iris Energy is a sustainable Bitcoin mining company that supports the decarbonization of energy markets and the global Bitcoin network.

• 100% renewables: Iris Energy targets sites with low-cost, under-utilized renewable energy, and supports local communities
• Long-term security over infrastructure, land and power supply: Iris Energy builds, owns and operates its electrical infrastructure and proprietary data centers, providing long-term security and operational control over its assets
• Seasoned management team: Iris Energy’s team has an impressive track record of success across energy, infrastructure, renewables, finance, digital assets and data centers with cumulative experience in delivering >$25bn in energy and infrastructure projects globally
  

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or Iris Energy’s future financial or operating performance. For example, forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the Company’s business strategy, expected operational and financial results, and expected increase in power capacity and hashrate. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “may,” “can,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “project,” “strive,” “budget,” “forecast,” “expect,” “intend,” “target”, “will,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “scheduled” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology, but the absence of these words does not mean that statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause Iris Energy’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward looking statements, including, but not limited to: Bitcoin price and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; Iris Energy’s ability to obtain additional capital on commercially reasonable terms and in a timely manner to meet our capital needs and facilitate its expansion plans; the terms of any future financing or any refinancing, restructuring or modification to the terms of any future financing, which could require Iris Energy to comply with onerous covenants or restrictions, and its ability to service its debt obligations; Iris Energy’s ability to successfully execute on its growth strategies and operating plans, including its ability to continue to develop its existing data center sites and to increase its diversification into the market for potential HPC solutions; Iris Energy’s limited experience with respect to new markets it has entered or may seek to enter, including the market for HPC solutions; expectations with respect to the ongoing profitability, viability, operability, security, popularity and public perceptions of the Bitcoin network; expectations with respect to the profitability, viability, operability, security, popularity and public perceptions of any potential HPC solutions that Iris Energy may offer in the future; Iris Energy’s ability to secure customers on commercially reasonable terms or at all, particularly as it relates to its potential expansion into HPC solutions; Iris Energy’s ability to manage counterparty risk (including credit risk) associated with potential customers and other counterparties; Iris Energy’s ability to secure renewable energy and renewable energy certificates, power capacity, facilities and sites on commercially reasonable terms or at all; the risk that counterparties may terminate, default on or underperform their contractual obligations; Bitcoin network hashrate fluctuations; delays associated with, or failure to obtain or complete, permitting approvals, grid connections and other development activities customary for greenfield or brownfield infrastructure projects; our reliance on third party mining pools, exchanges, banks, insurance providers and our ability to maintain relationships with such parties; expectations regarding availability and pricing of electricity; Iris Energy’s participation and ability to successfully participate in demand response products and services and other load management programs run, operated or offered by electricity network operators, regulators or electricity market operators; the availability, reliability and cost of electricity supply, hardware and electrical and data center infrastructure, including with respect to any electricity outages and any laws and regulations that may restrict the electricity supply available to Iris Energy; any variance between the actual operating performance of Iris Energy’s hardware achieved compared to the nameplate performance including hashrate; Iris Energy’s ability to curtail its electricity consumption and/or monetize electricity depending on market conditions, including changes in Bitcoin mining economics and prevailing electricity prices; actions undertaken by electricity network and market operators, regulators, governments or communities in the regions in which Iris Energy operates; the availability, suitability, reliability and cost of internet connections at Iris Energy’s facilities; Iris Energy’s ability to secure additional hardware, including hardware for Bitcoin mining and potential HPC solutions it may offer, on commercially reasonable terms or at all, and any delays or reductions in the supply of such hardware or increases in the cost of procuring such hardware; expectations with respect to the useful life and obsolescence of hardware (including hardware for Bitcoin mining as well as hardware for other applications, including HPC solutions); delays, increases in costs or reductions in the supply of equipment used in Iris Energy’s operations; Iris Energy’s ability to operate in an evolving regulatory environment; Iris Energy’s ability to successfully operate and maintain its property and infrastructure; reliability and performance of Iris Energy’s infrastructure compared to expectations; malicious attacks on Iris Energy’s property, infrastructure or IT systems; Iris Energy’s ability to maintain in good standing the operating and other permits and licenses required for its operations and business; Iris Energy ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce its intellectual property rights and other confidential information; whether the secular trends Iris Energy expects to drive growth in its business materialize to the degree it expects them to, or at all; the occurrence of any environmental, health and safety incidents at Iris Energy’s sites; any material costs relating to environmental, health and safety requirements or liabilities; damage to our property and infrastructure and the risk that any insurance Iris Energy maintains may not fully cover all potential exposures; ongoing securities litigation and proceedings relating to the default by two of Iris Energy’s wholly-owned special purpose vehicles under limited recourse equipment financing facilities; ongoing securities litigation relating in part to the default; and any future litigation, claims and/or regulatory investigations, and the costs, expenses, use of resources, diversion of management time and efforts, liability and damages that may result therefrom; any laws, regulations and ethical standards that may relate to Iris Energy’s business, including those that relate to Bitcoin and the Bitcoin mining industry and those that relate to any other solutions we may offer (such as potential HPC solutions), including regulations related to data privacy, cybersecurity and the storage, use or processing of information; any intellectual property infringement and product liability claims; our ability to attract, motivate and retain senior management and qualified employees; increased risks to our global operations including, but not limited to, political instability, acts of terrorism, theft and vandalism, cyberattacks and other cybersecurity incidents and unexpected regulatory and economic sanctions changes, among other things; climate change and natural and man-made disasters that may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; the ongoing effects of COVID-19 or any other outbreak of an infectious disease and any governmental or industry measures taken in response; our ability to remain competitive in dynamic and rapidly evolving industries; damage to our brand and reputation; and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Iris Energy’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on September 13, 2023 as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the SEC, accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of Iris Energy’s website at https://investors.irisenergy.co.

These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any forward-looking statement that Iris Energy makes in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement. Except as required by law, Iris Energy disclaims any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

Media
Jon Snowball
Domestique
+61 477 946 068

Investors
Lincoln Tan
Iris Energy
+61 407 423 395
lincoln.tan@irisenergy.co

To keep updated on Iris Energy’s news releases and SEC filings, please subscribe to email alerts at https://investors.irisenergy.co/ir-resources/email-alerts.

                                                            

¹ Purchase price excludes shipping and taxes.
² Includes previously announced Bitmain S21 and T21 miner purchases of 4.3 EH/s, plus a further 1 EH/s purchase of Bitmain T21 miners at $14/TH.
³ Includes an upfront option downpayment equal to 10% of the total purchase value.

FAQ

What is the agreement announced by Iris Energy Limited?

Iris Energy Limited has announced an agreement with Bitmain Technologies Delaware Limited to increase its self-mining capacity up to 20 EH/s in 2024.

What is the current operating capacity of Iris Energy Limited?

The current operating capacity of Iris Energy Limited is 5.6 EH/s, with plans to increase to 20 EH/s pending the exercise of miner purchase options.

What is the projected fleet efficiency for 20 EH/s?

The projected fleet efficiency for 20 EH/s is expected to improve to 21.9 J/TH.

What factors will influence Iris Energy Limited's decisions on exercising the miner purchase options?

Iris Energy Limited will make decisions on exercising the miner purchase options based on market conditions, shareholder value, and funding availability.