Blockchain based on proof-of-work consensus algorithm: Evolution and future potential
Yehia Ibrahim Alzoubi, Alok Mishra, Ali Aljaafreh · Energy Nexus · 2025
• Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus is foundational element of blockchain technology • This study sheds light on the present status of PoW and its variant algorithms • Different consensus techniques developed to reduce energy and computing resources • Study included a review of the benefits and limitations of PoW, reasons it is used • Analysis indicates that PoW is likely to continue prominence in public blockchain The Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus algorithm has been a foundational element of blockchain technology, designed to establish decentralized security, enable trustless transactions, and ensure tamper-proof record-keeping. Despite the emergence of various other consensus algorithms, PoW remains widely adopted, though it has been criticized for its high resource consumption and inefficiency. Over the past five years, PoW has remained the focus of numerous studies, underscoring its ongoing relevance. Given its sustained use, it is important to examine both the current state and prospects of PoW. This study conducts a thorough literature review of publications indexed in Scopus up to July 2025, tracing the evolution of PoW and its potential trajectory. The analysis indicates that PoW is likely to continue its prominence, particularly in public blockchain applications, in the foreseeable future. However, it's important to note that this study is limited by the availability of research in commonly accessed databases at the time of writing. Future investigations could expand the scope by incorporating additional databases and leveraging the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field.