Proof of work still has value in creating demand for excess renewable power generation in regions that can provide it, e.g. https://www.coindesk.com/chinese-cit

Proof of work still has value in creating demand for excess renewable power generation in regions that can provide it, e.g. https://www.coindesk.com/chinese-city-known-for-bitcoin-mining-seeks-blockchain-firms-to-burn-excess-hydropower https://www.coindesk.com/chinese-city-known-for-bitcoin-mini... Could that energy go to better (which is subjective of course) things? Sure, but if it's not and there is demand as well as excess supply it incentivises energy companies to at least _keep up_ with what they currently provide.