Russia may ban crypto mining in 19 regions

Russian authorities are considering expanding restrictions on Bitcoin mining across 19 regions connected to the country’s central power system. The proposal comes amid record electricity demand, rapid data center expansion and concerns over grid stability. As an alternative to a full ban, the Energy Ministry is also discussing stricter grid connection rules for new mining facilities.

Authorities discuss new mining restrictions

According to Kommersant, the Russian government is evaluating the possibility of banning cryptocurrency mining in regions connected to Moscow’s unified central energy system.

The proposal affects not only Moscow and the Moscow region, but also 17 additional regions across central Russia, including Bryansk, Kaluga, Tula, Yaroslavl and Voronezh.

If approved, the measure would effectively prohibit mining operations across most of central Russia.

The Energy Ministry is also considering an alternative regulatory approach. New mining operators could be connected to the power grid only under a “fourth-category reliability” framework.

Consumers in this category can be disconnected first during periods of electricity shortages. They are also subject to stricter technical requirements, including emergency automation systems.

Data centers and mining increase energy load

The main driver behind the discussions is rapidly increasing electricity consumption across the central power system.

During the fall and winter seasons, the system recorded a historic peak demand of 43.3 GW, exceeding the previous record by 2.3 GW. Electricity demand in Moscow and the surrounding region alone reached 21.1 GW.

Data centers are contributing significant additional pressure on the grid. Current data center electricity consumption is estimated at approximately 4 GW, representing about 2% of Russia’s total energy consumption.

According to the Ministry of Digital Development, data center electricity demand could increase by another 2 GW by 2030.

Major energy consumers include:

• Yandex — approximately 660 MW
• Sberbank — approximately 1.2 GW
• 65 data centers in Moscow and the region — 734 MW
• dozens of additional projects awaiting grid connections

Analysts note that rising demand is driven not only by cryptocurrency mining, but also by artificial intelligence development and digital infrastructure expansion.

Ban could expand underground mining activity

A full mining ban across central Russia could force operators to relocate capacity to other regions while potentially increasing illegal electricity connections.

Industry participants warn that overly restrictive regulation may expand the underground mining market and complicate energy consumption oversight.

At the same time, authorities are attempting to reduce grid overload risks without completely limiting the country’s digital infrastructure and cryptocurrency sectors.

Experts believe electricity shortages linked to mining and data center expansion may become a more significant issue over the coming years.

Russia continues tightening mining regulation

The situation highlights how access to electricity is becoming the primary limiting factor for mining industry growth in Russia. The market is gradually shifting from rapid expansion toward stricter regulation and more centralized allocation of energy resources.

Over the long term, priority access to electricity may increasingly favor artificial intelligence projects, strategic data centers and critical digital infrastructure, while cryptocurrency mining faces tighter operational requirements and growing restrictions.

Read also: Russia moves to criminalize illegal crypto mining