ZEC Shortens Block Generation Time to 25 Seconds in Upcoming Network Upgrade

Zcash (ZEC) is advancing plans to shorten its block generation time from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. According to CoinDesk on April 16 (local time), the decision stems from a recent token holder vote determining the scope of Zcash's upcoming major network upgrade, 'NU7.' Approximately 2.4 million ZEC participated in the vote, with each held ZEC representing one vote. The minimum participation threshold for the vote to be considered representative was set at 1 million ZEC.

Over 99.9% of participating tokens supported reducing block generation time from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. A proposal to maintain Bitcoin (BTC)’s halving schedule also received 98.9% approval. Another measure delaying the reissuance of ZEC through the Network Sustainability Mechanism (NSM) until February 2031 gained 96.6% support. The NSM temporarily removes some ZEC from circulation—specifically, at least 60% of transaction fees—and later reintroduces it as block rewards.

Token holders opposed delaying the NU7 launch, with 99.3% supporting a rapid deployment focused on implemented features rather than postponing the upgrade for unimplemented functionality by April 30. The vote was notable for not exposing token holder balances or identities; voting eligibility was restricted to ZEC held in Ironwood, the latest privacy transaction pool.