The Ethereum (ETH) network is making progress toward the transition to the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. On February 28, the Ethereum Shapella (Shanghai/Capella) upgrade was successfully locked on the Sepolia testnet at epoch 56832. The Sepolia testnet is the second of the three testnets planned to trigger the Shanghai upgrade.
Previously, the Ethereum network depended on the power-thirsty Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism, which global regulators have disapproved of due to its negative impact on the environment caused by non-renewable energy sources.
The PoS mechanism is expected to be more energy-efficient and sustainable, making it a better alternative.
Source: https://coinpedia.org/ethereum/ethereum-successfully-completes-shapella-upgrade-on-sepolia-testnet/