#### What is EthereumPoW? EthereumPoW (ETHW) is a distinct version of the [Ethereum](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-ethereum) [blockchain](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-blockchain) that emerged as a result of the Ethereum Merge. While the original Ethereum transitioned to a proof-of-[stake](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-staking) [consensus mechanism](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/consensus-mechanism-protocol), EthereumPoW chose to maintain the proof-of-work model. This alternative version of Ethereum is supported by a global community of individuals who either prefer the proof-of-work model or wish to preserve both options (proof-of-work and proof-of-stake) for developers and users within the Ethereum ecosystem. #### How does EthereumPoW work? EthereumPoW operates on the proof-of-work mechanism, a system that Ethereum originally used before transitioning to proof-of-stake. This mechanism involves [miners](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-mining) solving complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and add new [blocks](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/block) to the blockchain. EthereumPoW has cloned the state of Ethereum at the block height of the Merge, allowing [DApp](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/wallet/guide-to-dapps) developers and [stablecoin](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-stablecoin) issuers to choose which Ethereum chain they support. This could potentially double the DApps and [liquidity](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/liquidity-) on Ethereum to EthereumPoW. #### What are the potential use cases for EthereumPoW? EthereumPoW aims to provide a platform for developers and users who prefer the proof-of-work consensus mechanism. It offers an alternative for DApp developers and stablecoin issuers, allowing them to choose between the original Ethereum chain and EthereumPoW. This flexibility could potentially lead to an increase in the number of DApps and liquidity on the EthereumPoW chain. Furthermore, EthereumPoW seeks to maintain the original Ethereum blockchain's functionality, providing a platform for [decentralized applications](https://help.coinbase.com/en/wallet/other-topics/what-is-a-dapp) and [smart contracts](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-smart-contract). #### What is the history of EthereumPoW? EthereumPoW was born out of the Ethereum Merge, a significant event in the Ethereum blockchain's history that saw the transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake. While the Ethereum Foundation shifted to a proof-of-stake [fork](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-fork), a global community of supporters decided to keep the proof-of-work Ethereum, leading to the creation of EthereumPoW. The circulating supply of EthereumPoW started with the same amount as the proof-of-stake Ethereum, but it was reduced by 13,712,994 due to the ETH 2.0 [staking](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/trading-and-funding/staking-rewards/eth-2-0-staking) contract's "deposit" function, which prevents staked ETH from being withdrawn on EthereumPoW.