Catenaa, Tuesday, September 22, 2025- Russia government has ruled out introducing any new regional bans on cryptocurrency mining, saying its power grid can manage rising energy demand from operators.
The Ministry of Energy said Friday it has not received fresh requests from governors to curb mining activity.
Andrei Maksimov, head of the ministry’s Electric Power Development Department, said the system is operating steadily, with no grounds for further restrictions.
The government has already banned mining in 10 regions labeled energy-deficient until 2031, including parts of Siberia, the North Caucasus, and Russia-controlled areas of Ukraine.
Some regions had lobbied for additional restrictions, but officials in Karelia, Khakassia, and Penza have since withdrawn their requests, while decisions in Buryatia and Transbaikal remain on hold.
Authorities are instead steering miners toward surplus-power areas, with companies offering to pay more taxes and provide computing resources for national artificial intelligence projects.
Still, difficulties remain as hotspots such as Irkutsk and Siberia report grid strain and illegal operations.
Industry leaders claim Russia now ranks second globally in mining capacity, behind the United States. Yet concerns persist.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has ordered new proposals to classify miners under a separate energy consumption category, potentially limiting their usage during peak hours. Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev also warned of shortages in the Yamal Peninsula and the Siberian Federal District.
The government’s latest stance signals a cautious balancing act, encouraging industrial mining while trying to prevent regional power shortages and public opposition.
