> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://rhys-nemo.gitbook.io/tokenomics-bible/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://rhys-nemo.gitbook.io/tokenomics-bible/nitty-gritty/ethereum-merge.md).

# Ethereum merge

**Ethereum merge** \
Purpose - Transition from proof of work to proof of stake \
\
Why?\
\- POS is more efficient then POW\
\- More energy efficient\
\- Able to upgrade to sharding later on to improve efficiency 

1. Beacon chain was created (second test chain, created in 2020)

why? Encourage stakers (proof of stake) to move onto Beacon chain from original chain to ensure chain is secure before merging 

2\. The merge Beacon chain to EVM state 

* reduces electricity usage by 98.99%
* Eth insurance (reduces gas fees by 3x)
* Easier to become a validator - further decentralising the chain
*  **September 2022 merge date**
* ![](https://3505330573-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F17Y4ZB0dl280NH9CAMkR%2Fuploads%2FgX3NVKtC0Z7Sy6iUEZKZ%2FScreen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%202.42.40%20pm.png?alt=media\&token=5a2ca886-6919-411b-adbf-267c7b225bc8)