Emission is the process of creating new units of a cryptocurrency or token according to the rules of its protocol or economic model.

The issuance mechanism depends on the project. In networks using Proof-of-Work, new coins may be created through block rewards. In Proof-of-Stake systems, issuance may be connected to validator rewards.

Emission and supply

Emission increases the total number of existing units unless it is offset by token burning. Therefore, supply analysis should consider both newly issued units and units removed from circulation.

Some protocols use predetermined issuance schedules. Others adjust issuance according to network conditions, validator participation, or governance decisions.

Emission in mining

In mining-based networks, new coins are often issued through the block reward. This can include the block subsidy and transaction fees. Fees are generally not new issuance because they represent existing assets transferred from users to block producers.