Russia plans to increase its restrictions on cryptocurrency mining underneath a draft proposal that may ban the exercise in Moscow, the Moscow Area and elements of the Kursk Area from July 1, 2026. The Vitality Ministry mentioned the proposed restrictions would stay in place till December 31, 2032, as authorities search to scale back stress on regional energy grids.
The proposal follows the suggestions of the federal government fee on electrical energy growth. Deputy Vitality Minister Yevgeny Grabchak beforehand mentioned officers supported increasing mining restrictions to a number of areas, together with Moscow and elements of Kursk. The draft additionally covers Belovsky, Glushkovsky, Korenevsky, Rylsky, Sudzhansky, Lgov and different municipalities.
Vitality demand drives new restrictions
Regional officers say cryptocurrency mining is placing rising stress on native energy grids. Authorities estimates present that 65 information facilities function in Moscow and the encompassing area with a mixed capability of 734 megawatts. Nineteen of these services are situated within the Moscow area alone and characterize 233 megawatts of capability.
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Russia has steadily tightened restrictions on cryptocurrency mining over the previous two years as demand for electrical energy has elevated. The federal government handed year-round mining bans in Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai beginning in April 2026. It additionally banned mining in Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia, and several other Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine till 2031.
Authorities have launched extra limits in southern Irkutsk, together with seasonal restrictions on mining in periods of peak electrical energy demand. The newest proposal builds on these measures, as officers search to guard the availability of electrical energy to properties and companies.
International scrutiny of crypto mining grows
Russia’s proposal comes as governments in a number of international locations tighten oversight of cryptocurrency actions. Earlier this month, the European Fee proposed new sanctions that may permit the European Union to limit cryptocurrency service suppliers accused of serving to Russia evade sanctions. The proposal additionally targets 11 cryptocurrency platforms.
The UK has additionally imposed sanctions on cryptocurrency companies. In Georgia, authorities have begun putting in good electrical energy meters in Mestia to curb unlawful cryptocurrency mining and relieve stress on the native energy grid.
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