Decentralized cryptocurrency networks, notably those with high energy demand, have faced significant criticism and subsequent regulatory scrutiny. Despite these concerns, policy interventions targeting cryptocurrency operations in the pursuit of sustainability have largely been ineffective. Some were abandoned for fear of jeopardizing innovation, whereas others failed due to the highly globalized nature of blockchain systems. In search of a more effective angle for energy policy measures, this study adopts a consumer-centric perspective, examining the sentiments of Nigerian cryptocurrency users (${n=158}$) toward Bitcoin's sustainability, a representative cryptocurrency known for its high electricity demand. Three main findings emerged: 1) Even among those self-identifying as highly knowledgeable, most considerably underestimated Bitcoin's electricity consumption. 2) Participants with a more accurate understanding of Bitcoin's energy demand were more inclined to support sustainability measures. 3) Most of this supportive cohort viewed private entities as the primary stakeholders for implementing such measures. Given these findings, we suggest that consumer education should be at the forefront of policy initiatives aimed at cryptocurrency sustainability.

翻译：去中心化的加密货币网络，特别是那些具有高能源需求特征的网络，已面临严厉批评及后续的监管审查。尽管存在这些担忧，针对加密货币运营以追求可持续性的政策干预普遍收效甚微。部分政策因担心阻碍创新而被放弃，其他则因区块链系统的高度全球化特性而失败。为寻求能源政策措施的更有效切入点，本研究采用以消费者为中心的视角，考察尼日利亚加密货币用户（n=158）对比特币可持续性（一种以高电力消耗著称的代表性加密货币）的态度。主要发现有三项：1）即使在自认为知识渊博的用户中，大多数人也显著低估了比特币的电力消耗。2）对比特币能源需求有更准确认知的参与者更倾向于支持可持续性措施。3）这一支持群体中的大多数人将私营实体视为实施此类措施的主要责任方。基于这些发现，我们建议消费者教育应成为旨在实现加密货币可持续性的政策举措的优先方向。