Zcash targets November 5 for NU7 protocol upgrade

Zcash developers have established a timeline for the NU7 protocol upgrade, targeting mainnet activation on November 5. The rollout includes a scheduled testnet activation on October 6, with a final decision point for the mainnet expected on October 20.

A primary feature of the NU7 upgrade is the reduction of target block spacing from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. This change aims to facilitate faster transaction confirmations, potentially making direct private payments more practical at points of sale. While the shorter intervals improve user experience, they also increase technical requirements for node propagation, storage, and validation.

The upgrade also introduces the Network Sustainability Mechanism (ZIP-235). Under this system, approximately 60 percent of transaction fees will be temporarily removed from circulation rather than paid to miners. These coins are intended to return to the network through block rewards starting in February 2031 as Zcash issuance decreases through successive halvings. The upgrade has received unanimous agreement from several key groups, including the Zcash Foundation, Project Tachyon, Valar, ZODL, and Shielded Labs.