Russia Cracks Down on Crypto Mining in Moscow Amid Power Grid Woes

The Russian government has introduced an extension to its cryptocurrency mining ban, targeting Moscow and nearby regions. The ban will remain in place from August 15, 2026, to December 31, 2032, aiming to reduce the strain on the local electricity grid.

The move is focused on data centers using over 734 MW of power, which exceeds 65 facilities. This follows similar restrictions in other Russian regions, such as Siberia, where it successfully lowered the grid load by more than 300 MW.

The government aims to prioritize power supply for social facilities and new enterprises while managing energy shortages effectively.