On Tuesday, April 3, 2024, Ohio-based Bitcoin mining and colocation company Arkon Energy revealed it has secured 27,700 Bitcoin ASIC mining units from leading manufacturer Bitmain. The purchase comprises 13,500 Antminer S21 rigs and 14,200 Antminer T21 machines, totaling a hashpower of 6 exahash per second (EH/s). Delivery is scheduled to commence in June 2024.
Strategic Timing Ahead of the Halving
The announcement comes just 17 days before the fourth Bitcoin halving event, when block rewards will drop from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. By expanding its fleet now, Arkon aims to secure a competitive edge in the post-halving landscape. Founder Josh Payne stated: “This transaction marks a turning point for Arkon, as we become a vertically integrated operator of both Hosting and Self Mining infrastructure across our portfolio of data centers in Texas and Ohio.”
Efficiency Leap to 19 J/T
The new machines will significantly improve Arkon’s overall energy efficiency to 19 J/T, compared to older-generation rigs. The S21 and T21 series, launched in 2023-2024, offer 20-30% lower power consumption, which is critical as miners face thinner margins after the halving. Higher efficiency helps offset the revenue reduction per block and lowers operational costs.
Data Center Expansion Plans
Beyond miner procurement, Arkon disclosed binding agreements to secure additional U.S. sites, aiming to increase its total capacity to 307 megawatts (MW), subject to successful funding and development. The company also signed a letter of intent to add an extra 100 MW of capacity at its existing Hannibal facility. These expansions reflect Arkon’s strategy to build an integrated ecosystem covering both mining hardware and energy infrastructure.
Industry Implications
In recent months, major mining firms such as Marathon Digital and Riot Platforms have also placed large orders for next-generation miners, fueling a race toward higher efficiency and scale. Arkon’s deal reinforces the trend of capital-intensive upgrades ahead of the halving. As new machines come online, global Bitcoin hashrate could reach new highs, while energy efficiency becomes the primary battleground for miners’ survival and profitability.