Alexander Shotov, through his company Aper.IT LLP, has found a new way to use extra heat from crypto mining to warm buildings more affordably and in a more eco-friendly manner, lowering heating costs and helping users earn passive income
Bitcoin mining alone consumes about 0.5% of all energy used globally, Buy Bitcoin Worldwide said in its recent report, “61 Bitcoin Energy Consumption Statistics (2024).” This figure, which is higher than the current electricity use of most countries, shows we urgently need new ways to reduce environmental harm caused by crypto mining and manage power better. It’s in light of this urgency that Alexander Shotov, the founder and general director of Aper.IT LLP, a company specializing in cutting-edge, innovative heating systems, has emerged to address these problems of high energy use and environmental harm, making energy more available and affordable to homes and offices through sustainable means.
Alexander has years of vast experience in IT and system management. He focuses on developing new ways to manage energy use and has developed a system that uses wasted thermal energy from cryptocurrency mining to create affordable heating systems for homes and offices in Kazakhstan. This has dramatically improved energy use and even opened up new ways to earn passive income, bridging modern IT solutions with practical energy needs. With his help, Aper.IT has become a leader in creating renewable and efficient energy solutions, making it easier for the company to enter a fast-growing market with little competition. Today, we got a chance to chat with Alexander Shotov to hear about his groundbreaking work.
Alexander, at KazRosGaz, you were in charge of IT infrastructure for the gas industry. This is a stable, well-paid job. So, what specifically in 2016 made you take a risk and go into a startup with an unproven idea of utilizing the heat from mining?
From 2011 to 2016, I worked at KazRosGaz, where I mastered tasks such as managing IT budgets, setting up data infrastructure, and using corporate tools like Microsoft SharePoint and Linux servers. I also learned how to develop IT systems that are safe, high-performing, and can handle growth. That knowledge has been vital ever since.
However, the turning point in my career was in 2016 when I started Aper.IT. The company’s primary mission was simple: to create energy-smart infrastructure by combining advanced IT tools with everyday energy systems. Today, it’s living up to that expectation: using heat from crypto mining to warm homes and offices. This has helped to address the persistent issues of high energy waste of crypto mining and the rising cost and inefficiency of conventional heating systems in my country, placing the company in a unique market with great growth potential and minimal competition.
Great! Your heating technology, Aper.IT, collects unused heat produced during crypto mining and sends it directly to heating systems. How do mining units like the Bitmain Antminer S19/S21 Hydro help to produce hot water at 55–70°C for different heating uses?
Our system uses water-cooled mining units, such as Bitmain Antminer Hydro, WhatsMiner, to move heat well. The coolant goes in at 30-45°C and comes out as hot water at 55-70°C, which works for low-temperature heating systems like underfloor heating, radiators, home hot water, and pools. We handle changes in heat load with buffer tanks, adding or removing mining units as needed, sending heat to different areas, and using extra heat for other things or getting rid of it through cooling towers when it’s not the heating season.
You’ve made big changes in test setups, including cutting heating costs by up to 40% and getting your money back within 12 months. Can you give specific examples of these setups and how they saved money?
One of my successful projects involved creating and using a hybrid system that combined cryptocurrency mining with heating for homes and offices. This was done in a private housing development near Almaty. We installed the system in a group of constructed houses. It helped lower winter heating bills by over 40%. At the same time, it gave property owners a steady income from cryptocurrency mining. This approach effectively turned heating systems into a way to earn passive income.
Another project took place in a city building where saving energy mattered greatly. The team worked with engineers and regulatory authorities to show how the system could save money and help the environment, too, cutting down on fossil fuel use and making energy work better. Our installations showed real results. They cut heating bills drastically. Plus, you can get part of your investment back within a year from mining income.
Considering the novelty of your solution, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in bringing it to market, and how did you overcome them?
I faced challenges like doubt about new technologies, such as crypto mining. There were also unclear rules from regulators. Moreover, I had to figure out how to merge this modern solution with current systems. It took a lot of effort to explain the lasting benefits and reliability to clients and partners. I also had to build partnerships, bring in stakeholders, and show communities how IT can blend with energy-saving solutions.
However, a strong attitude, problem-solving skills, and a wish to grow helped me overcome these obstacles. My time in corporate IT and startups showed me how to turn big ideas into tangible actions. Then, personal habits like swimming and Aikido helped me focus. They also built my patience and resilience. I carried these traits into my projects and decisions. Nonetheless, my technical skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to renewable energy solutions have enabled me to create a real impact in both the tech and energy sectors.
Beyond your role at Aper.IT, you’re a member of the ACM and the IEEE. How do industry peers recognize your expertise as a member of these professional organizations? What achievements showcase this, and how do you engage with the larger tech community?
Many people see me as an expert in IT, energy efficiency, and new technologies. In my country, startups and industry professionals frequently seek my advice. They want to know about blockchain, high-performance computing, and sustainable systems. My background has made me a go-to person for those working on similar hybrid tech solutions.
Be that as it may, my company is getting noticed in professional discussions and industry forums. These discussions focus on digital innovation and energy-saving practices. In addition, I join events and gatherings to share ideas, taking on roles like speaker or technical advisor. Moreover, I often review tech projects. These projects usually focus on energy use, IT architecture, and digital asset integration. This informal advisory role tells a lot about the trust I have been able to build over the years and my many years of work and leadership.
Furthermore, joining two of the world’s top tech and engineering organizations reinforced my recognition across the industry. I joined the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) in 2023. Then, I became a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 2025. These memberships showcase my skills globally. They connect me with a network of respected experts, researchers, and innovators worldwide.
Having said that, what are your plans for Aper.IT, and how does BitONE LLC fit into your global expansion goals?
I plan to expand to the U.S., where I founded BitONE LLC. BitONE is our primary platform for this global expansion and will help to grow our energy-efficient heating system into more markets using crypto mining.
BitONE aims to build key partnerships, secure funds for greater international efforts, and establish a global presence for our unique energy solutions.
So, through BitONE, I want to expand our successful invention into new markets. This will help meet the growing demand for green and profitable energy solutions.
With your background in integrating IT, cryptocurrency, and renewable energy, what advice would you give to people or businesses aiming to create new solutions or grow in these dynamic areas?
If you want to grow in IT, cryptocurrency, and renewable energy, here are some tips. First, stay curious. Always learn about new trends and technologies. Second, network with others in these fields. Connections can spark great ideas. Third, embrace innovation. Try new approaches and solutions. Fourth, focus on sustainability. This will attract more interest and support. Finally, be adaptable. The landscape changes quickly, so be ready to pivot.
By following these steps, you can create exciting opportunities in these areas.
