Russia Cracks Down on Crypto Mining in Moscow Region Amid Power Concerns

Russia has imposed a long-term ban on cryptocurrency mining in the Moscow region and parts of the Kursk region until 2032. The government cited concerns over electricity supply, warning that energy-intensive mining could worsen power shortages in affected areas.

The ban affects the entire city of Moscow and Moscow Oblast, as well as eight municipal districts in Kursk Oblast and the city of Lgov. This move expands Russia's regional mining restrictions introduced in late 2024, while the country continues to regulate cryptocurrency mining nationally rather than imposing a nationwide ban.

Moscow Oblast Energy Minister Sergei Voropanov previously estimated that cryptocurrency mining consumes approximately 1GW of electricity across the Moscow grid. He also projected combined data centre capacity in Moscow and the surrounding region could increase to 3.6GW by 2032, or around 17% of the grid's expected maximum load.