What Alternative Consensus Mechanisms, like Proof-of-Stake, Aim to Replace PoW?

Proof-of-Stake (PoS) replaces energy-intensive mining with staking. Validators lock up their cryptocurrency as collateral to gain the right to propose and attest to new blocks.

PoS is significantly more energy-efficient and often allows for higher transaction throughput. Instead of computational power, security is based on the economic value staked.

Penalties (slashing) for malicious behavior deter attacks, aligning validator incentives with network security.