Emission Crypto Glossary
Emission in the context of cryptocurrency refers to the rate at which new coins or tokens are generated and released into circulation within a blockchain network. This term is also known as the Emission Curve, Emission Rate, or Emission Schedule. It plays a crucial role in understanding the supply dynamics and inflationary aspects of a cryptocurrency.
For example, let’s consider Bitcoin as an illustration. In the early days of Bitcoin, a new block was added to its blockchain approximately every 10 minutes. Miners validating these blocks were rewarded with 50 BTC, resulting in an emission rate of approximately 7,200 BTC per day. However, Bitcoin has undergone a series of halving events, reducing the number of new Bitcoins entering the ecosystem. As of May 2020, this emission rate has decreased to just 6.25 BTC per block.
Notably, some cryptocurrencies do not have a fixed emission rate. Instead, they allow for the creation of new units on demand. A prime example is the Tether stablecoin, which is generated whenever someone deposits $1 in reserve, making it an on-demand emission model.
It’s important to highlight that emissions in cryptocurrency are not guaranteed to continue indefinitely. Bitcoin, for instance, has a maximum supply of 21 million coins and follows a predetermined schedule for release. The last Bitcoin is projected to be mined in the year 2140, marking the culmination of its emission process.
In summary, emission in the world of cryptocurrency signifies the speed at which new digital coins or tokens are minted and introduced into circulation, affecting factors such as supply, inflation, and the overall dynamics of a blockchain network.