  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.
