Ethereum Validators Back Gas Limit Increase to Boost Network Capacity
More than half of Ethereum validators have indicated their approval for a proposed increase in the network’s gas limit. This adjustment would enable a higher capacity for transaction processing within a single Ethereum block. Recent data reveals that as of early February, 52% of validators support the initiative, surpassing the necessary majority required to implement this upgrade without initiating a hard fork.
Validators can modify their node settings to communicate their support for the change, allowing the network to expand its capabilities in line with technological advancements. The average gas limit for Ethereum has remained around 30 million since it was increased from 15 million in August 2021. Interestingly, recent transaction data shows an uptick in the gas limit, exceeding 33 million, reflecting active engagement from the community.
This proposed increase marks a significant milestone as it would be the first adjustment under the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, following the transformative Merge upgrade completed in September 2022. The transition to proof-of-stake is believed to have introduced a higher level of decentralization, which has contributed to the extended coordination time for reaching agreement among validators.
In light of this successful vote, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed the Pectra fork, anticipated to occur in March. This update aims to enhance the blob target, raising it from three to six, and will also be determined by validator votes. Buterin emphasized that this method would enable more flexible responses to technological innovations without necessitating hard forks.
While many advocates champion this increase as a means to bolster the network’s capacity and foster innovation, concerns have been voiced regarding potential stability risks. Some researchers within the community have warned that an overly ambitious increase could lead to operational failures and hinder network security. There is a consensus that a gradual elevation of the gas limit could beneficially adapt the network as it evolves.