Proof of Capacity (PoC)

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Table of contents

1. 0.2. How Proof of Capacity Works
2. 0.4. Why PoC Is Gaining Attention

Proof of Capacity (PoC) is a consensus mechanism that uses available hard drive space to determine mining rights and validate transactions on a blockchain.

How Proof of Capacity Works

Instead of using energy-intensive calculations like in Proof of Work, PoC involves plotting cryptographic data onto a hard drive. The more storage a user commits, the higher their chance of being selected to create the next block. When a block needs to be mined, the system checks the stored data to find a solution, making mining more storage-based than CPU-intensive.

Why PoC Is Gaining Attention

PoC offers a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional mining methods. It lowers entry barriers since it relies on disk space rather than expensive hardware. Cryptocurrencies like Burstcoin and Chia use PoC to promote greener mining and broader participation. While it’s not yet mainstream, PoC is seen as a promising step toward sustainable blockchain solutions.