Ethereum Performance Upgrade takes center stage as Vitalik Buterin proposes “Partially Stateless Nodes” to enhance Layer-1 scalability while preserving decentralization. Detailed in a May 19, 2025 blog post, this model aims to increase gas limits dramatically and simplify running Ethereum nodes for individuals. This article explores the proposal and its potential to reshape the blockchain ecosystem.
Simplifying Node Operations
Ethereum Performance Upgrade addresses the challenge of running Ethereum nodes, which currently require over 1.3 TB of storage, making them inaccessible to most users. Buterin emphasizes that individual node operation is vital for Ethereum’s decentralization, privacy, and resistance to censorship, especially as reliance on centralized RPC providers grows. His solution, “Partially Stateless Nodes,” allows nodes to store only relevant data, enabling validation and query responses without holding the entire blockchain state.
This approach could boost Ethereum’s gas limit from 10 to 100 times, allowing more transactions while letting users run nodes on standard hardware like laptops or smartphones. The proposal aligns with Ethereum’s ethos of inclusivity, ensuring broad access to the blockchain ecosystem.
Complementary Scaling Solutions
Ethereum Performance Upgrade includes additional measures to optimize the network. Buterin advocates for EIP-4444, which limits node storage to the last 36 days of data, using erasure coding to distribute older data across the network. This ensures historical data remains accessible without burdening individual nodes, supporting a “permanently sustainable” blockchain.
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Buterin also suggests revising gas fees to lower execution costs while increasing fees for actions that bloat the state, such as creating new smart contracts or sending ETH to inactive wallets. These changes aim to reduce network strain and enhance efficiency in the blockchain ecosystem.
Technical Challenges and Industry Support
Ethereum Performance Upgrade requires robust mechanisms to determine which state data nodes store and fallback options for missing data. Buterin acknowledges the complexity but views it as essential to prevent users from being excluded due to hardware limitations. The proposal has garnered positive feedback. Michael Cameron of Vanilla Finance called it a “game-changer” for restoring Ethereum’s decentralized roots, though he stressed the need for careful state selection and historical data access.
Ryan Yoon from Tiger Research believes the model could decentralize Ethereum nodes globally, reducing centralization risks and enhancing censorship resistance. Online discussions reflect optimism, with some users on X praising the scalability potential, though others note implementation challenges in the blockchain ecosystem.
Conclusion
Ethereum Performance Upgrade, driven by Vitalik Buterin’s “Partially Stateless Nodes,” promises to revolutionize Ethereum nodes’ efficiency and accessibility. By increasing Ethereum’s gas limit and optimizing storage, the proposal strengthens decentralization in the blockchain ecosystem. While technical hurdles remain, this bold step could solidify Ethereum’s position as a scalable, inclusive network.