Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin released a new blog post on X detailing his latest vision for scaling the blockchain. The plan targets two phases: near-term throughput gains via parallel validation and ePBS, and a longer-term shift toward zero-knowledge proofs and expanded blob data capacity.
Short-Term: Parallel Checks and ePBS
Buterin argues Ethereum can safely boost capacity without increasing risk. The upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade will introduce two changes: first, nodes will be able to review different parts of a block simultaneously rather than sequentially; second, ePBS (execution-layer consensus separation) will let the network use more of each 12-second window instead of finishing early out of caution. The result: each block can pack more transactions.
Gas Overhaul: Separate Compute from Permanent Storage
Today's gas fees bundle temporary computation with permanent data storage. Buterin warns that deploying new contracts permanently enlarges the blockchain, raising node costs over time and potentially squeezing out smaller validators. His proposal would make long-term storage significantly more expensive while leaving more room for everyday transactions. This would allow Ethereum to handle more activity without drastically expanding the blockchain's size, avoiding a future where only well-funded players can participate.
Long-Term: ZK Proofs and Blob Data
Further down the road, Buterin envisions Ethereum leaning more on zero-knowledge proofs and blob data. Blobs were introduced to help layer-2 networks post transaction data cheaply; eventually they could carry Ethereum's own transaction data, letting validators confirm activity without re-running every transaction. This shift would slash verification costs and improve scalability.
Earlier this month, the Ethereum Foundation published a 'strawmap' aimed at long-term efficiency. Buterin's new plan complements the previous layer-2-centric scaling strategy by focusing on base-layer improvements. Community reactions vary: some developers say parallel validation tech is nearly ready, but gas reforms and ZK integration still require months of testing.