Explainer-Ethereum's energy-saving Merge upgrade

FILE PHOTO: A representation of cryptocurrency Ethereum is seen in this illustration taken August 6, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

(Reuters) - Ethereum, the blockchain that underpins the world's second-largest crypto token ether, on Thursday underwent a major software upgrade that slashes the amount of energy needed to create new coins and carry out transactions.

Here's what you need to know about the "Merge" as the shift is known.