Russia plans to broaden its restrictions on cryptocurrency mining underneath a draft proposal that may ban the exercise in Moscow, the Moscow area and components of the Kursk area from July 1, 2026. The Ministry of Vitality mentioned the proposed restrictions would stay in place by Dec. 31, 2032, as authorities search to cut back strain on regional electrical energy networks.
The proposal follows suggestions from the federal government’s fee on electrical energy improvement. Deputy Vitality Minister Yevgeny Grabchak beforehand mentioned officers supported extending mining restrictions to a number of areas, together with Moscow and components 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 locations rising strain on native electrical energy networks. Authorities estimates present that 65 information facilities function throughout Moscow and the encompassing area with a mixed capability of 734 megawatts. Nineteen of these services are positioned within the Moscow area alone, accounting for 233 megawatts of capability.
Associated: Thailand Targets Crypto Mining Community Over $28M Energy Theft Case
Russia has steadily tightened restrictions on cryptocurrency mining over the previous two years as electrical energy demand has elevated. The federal government authorised year-round mining bans in Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai beginning in April 2026. It has additionally prohibited mining in Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia and a number of other Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine by 2031.
Authorities have launched extra limits in southern Irkutsk, together with seasonal mining restrictions during times of peak electrical energy demand. The most recent proposal builds on these measures as officers search to guard electrical energy provides for households and companies.
World Scrutiny of Crypto Mining Grows
Russia’s proposal comes as governments in a number of nations tighten oversight of cryptocurrency actions. Earlier this month, the European Fee proposed new sanctions that may enable 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 providers. In Georgia, authorities have began putting in sensible electrical energy meters in Mestia to curb unlawful cryptocurrency mining and ease strain on the native energy grid.
Associated: Might Your Crypto Alternate Lose EU Entry After July 1?
