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Tesla CEO Elon Musk said energy will become ‘the true currency’ in a future where artificial intelligence and robotics eliminate traditional labor needs, pointing to bitcoin’s energy-intensive mining process as an early example of the model during a podcast interview with Indian entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath.
Speaking on a podcast, Musk argued that humanity is moving toward an era where “money disappears as a concept,” and Energy-Based Bitcoin already gives us a glimpse into that future.
In the very first moments of his discussion, Musk connected this prediction to the rise of AI and robotics, noting that in a world where machines satisfy nearly all human needs, “people no longer need money as a database for labor allocation.” That idea, he admitted, “sounds kind of strange,” but he insisted that technological progress makes it increasingly realistic.
Energy-Based Bitcoin, he added, is one of the clearest existing examples of energy transforming directly into digital value.
In his previous interview, Musk reiterated that Energy-Based Bitcoin captures the essence of a future where energy—not dollars, not government-issued notes—emerges as the world’s ultimate store of value.
Drawing inspiration from Iain Banks’ iconic Culture series, Musk described a post-scarcity civilization where money no longer plays any meaningful role.
“In that world, people can have whatever they want,” he said. “But some fundamental currencies remain—and those are physics-based.”
Then came the line now rippling across the crypto and energy sectors: “Energy is the true currency.”
Musk followed up by explaining why Bitcoin already mirrors this idea. “This is why I say Bitcoin is based on energy,” he noted.
Proof-of-work requires miners to produce verifiable computation using real electricity, anchoring Bitcoin’s value to tangible physics rather than policy decisions.
Crypto economist Lyn Alden agreed in a statement posted after the interview, saying:
“Bitcoin is one of the only monetary assets that blends digital finality with physical-world costliness. Musk is highlighting something fundamental.” — Lyn Alden, Macro Analyst
One of Musk’s strongest arguments centered on political power. He described energy as a force immune to manipulation, unlike fiat currency.
“You can’t legislate energy,” he said. “You can’t pass a law and suddenly have a lot of energy.”
This concept, he explained, gives energy—and by extension Energy-Based Bitcoin—a level of neutrality and scarcity unmatched by government-controlled monetary systems.
Those who generate or control high-efficiency energy sources will effectively command the planet’s strongest “currency.”
Bitcoin strategist Nic Carter echoed Musk’s point, stating:
“Energy is the world’s most reliable anchor. Bitcoin’s energy tie-in is not a flaw, it’s a feature.” — Nic Carter, Castle Island Ventures
Musk’s comments land during one of the most heated debates in crypto policy. Bitcoin’s energy consumption continues to divide lawmakers, regulators, environmental groups, and grid experts.
Critics argue that proof-of-work strains power networks and increases emissions, while supporters say mining can incentivize clean energy, stabilize grids, and monetize wasted power.
Still, Musk avoided committing to a timeline for an energy-driven value system. His prediction depends on a level of AI and robotics development that remains speculative—but advancing faster than many expected.
For now, fiat currencies still dominate salaries, savings, and global payments. But Energy-Based Bitcoin remains both a technological experiment and a philosophical symbol—one that challenges the idea of money itself.
As Musk put it, “Energy is the true currency.” And if he’s right, Energy-Based Bitcoin may be the first prototype of a monetary future no government can fully control.
