Claims that quantum computers could break Bitcoin (BTC) cryptography within minutes continue to circulate, yet recent academic findings paint a very different picture. Data shared by Bitcoin hardware entrepreneur Rodolfo Novak highlights the enormous barriers facing such attacks, particularly in mining. The required energy alone is estimated to be comparable to that of a small star, making the scenario far from feasible.
Researchers note that even with Grover’s algorithm, which offers a theoretical speed advantage, real-world implementation faces critical limitations. Breaking Bitcoin’s SHA-256 algorithm would require millions of qubits and a highly complex support infrastructure that does not yet exist. Maintaining stability and low error rates at such a scale further complicates the challenge.
Estimates based on January 2025 data suggest that a quantum mining fleet would require around 10²⁵ watts of power, roughly 3% of the Sun’s total energy output. Compared to Bitcoin’s current energy consumption of about 15 gigawatts, the gap is enormous. While quantum computing remains a long-term consideration, current evidence shows that practical attacks are constrained by fundamental physical limits.
