Russia Bans Bitcoin Mining Across Moscow Region Through 2032

Russia has banned Bitcoin mining across Moscow and parts of two other regions through the end of 2032, citing concerns over grid strain and power shortages.

The ban applies to Moscow, Moscow Oblast, and eight municipal districts in Kursk Oblast, as well as the city of Lgov. The decree takes effect on August 15th and will remain in place until December 31st, 2032.

Moscow Oblast's energy minister, Sergei Voropanov, estimated that crypto mining accounts for approximately one gigawatt (GW) of power consumption on the city's grid. He also projected that data center capacity could reach 3.6 GW by 2032, which would equal around 17% of the grid's projected maximum load.