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Ethereum Improvement Proposal 1559 (EIP-1559) is a protocol update designed to regulate transaction fees on the Ethereum (ETH) 
$2,546 network. Implemented in August 2021, this change aims to simplify the estimation of gas fees paid by users when sending transactions. Additionally, it reduces excessive fluctuations in fees based on network congestion. A notable feature is the burning of a certain amount of ETH with each transaction. This article examines the technical details of EIP-1559 and its impacts on the Ethereum ecosystem.
EIP-1559 and the Gas Fee Dilemma in Ethereum
Before EIP-1559, gas fees on the Ethereum network were determined by an auction system. Users would bid higher fees for faster transaction confirmations, which led to sharp fee increases during network congestion. For instance, during a popular NFT launch, gas fees could exceed 500 Gwei.
Users struggled to predict the correct fees, sometimes overpaying unnecessarily. The auction model reduced network efficiency and negatively affected user experience.
How Base Fee and Tip Work
EIP-1559 divides the gas fee mechanism into three main components: Base Fee, Tip, and Burn. The Base Fee is automatically determined based on current network demand. Users can add a Tip to expedite their transactions. The most striking change is the complete burning of ETH corresponding to the Base Fee, which controls excessive payments and manages ETH supply.
The Base Fee recalculates with each block (approximately every 15 seconds). If block utilization exceeds 50%, the fee increases; if lower, it decreases. This dynamic adjustment helps maintain stable transaction fees.
Impact of the ETH Burning Mechanism on the Ethereum Network
Before EIP-1559, miners pocketed all gas fees. Under the new system, ETH corresponding to the Base Fee is permanently removed from the blockchain. This burning process slows the increase in ETH supply and can even lead to deflation during high network congestion. For example, at the start of 2023, an average of 10,000 ETH was burned daily.
The reduction in supply supports ETH’s long-term value. Furthermore, miners’ revenue sources are now solely based on Tips and block rewards, facilitating Ethereum’s transition to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism.
Benefits of EIP-1559 for Users and Developers
EIP-1559 significantly simplifies fee estimation. Wallet applications now display a clear Base Fee. Users can adjust the Tip amount based on priority.
For developers, the predictability of gas fees eases application design. Additionally, the coin burning mechanism has made ETH’s economic model more sustainable. All these changes support the idea of making Ethereum a more corporate-friendly network.
The Role of EIP-1559 in Ethereum’s Future
EIP-1559 is a cornerstone of Ethereum 2.0. The stability in gas fees is crucial for enhancing the network’s scalability. With the PoS transition, the burning mechanism may encourage ETH staking. Moreover, increased deflationary pressures can attract user interest.
Overall, this update has strengthened Ethereum both technically and economically. Improvements in user experience directly support and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology.
