The Merge 2022 event

Event · PageRank 0.0000

Overview

The Merge was Ethereum's transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus, completed on September 15, 2022 at 06:43 UTC. It joined the existing Ethereum mainnet, which became the execution layer, with the Beacon Chain launched in December 2020, which became the consensus layer, retiring mining entirely. Validators securing the network now stake 32 ETH each rather than expending computing power, and the Ethereum Foundation states the change cut the network's energy consumption by roughly 99.95%. The upgrade was the culmination of years of research and did not itself change gas fees or transaction throughput.

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Frequently asked questions

When did the Merge happen?

September 15, 2022, at 06:43 UTC.

What exactly merged?

Ethereum's original proof-of-work mainnet became the execution layer, and the Beacon Chain — a separate proof-of-stake chain launched in 2020 — became the consensus layer, ending mining on Ethereum.

What changed for energy use and validators?

Energy consumption fell by approximately 99.95%. Instead of miners, validators secure the network by staking 32 ETH for the chance to propose and attest to blocks and earn rewards.