Ethereum Merge

The Ethereum Merge was one of the most significant upgrades in Ethereum’s history. The Merge represented the Ethereum network’s transition from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus.

• The Merge took place on September 15, 2022.
• The network is no longer secured by miners but by validators. To run a solo validator and earn rewards by validating transactions, a user deposits 32 ETH. Other staking arrangements have different requirements.
• The Merge cut Ethereum’s energy use by approximately 99.95%. Under proof of stake, the network no longer depends on energy-intensive mining.

The Merge changed Ethereum’s consensus mechanism; it did not replace the EVM or substantially reduce transaction fees.