Government Projection Until 2042: Only 1.3% Power Growth, Mining at Risk

According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Russia’s government has approved an energy outlook projecting a 1.3% annual rise in electricity demand through 2042, while pursuing over 3% GDP growth each year. Observers cite a major gap: if energy production lags behind economic expansion, large-scale industrial programs could falter.

One particular concern stems from potential recurrences of shortages, reminiscent of the summer 2024 blackouts that affected 2.5 mln residents due to insufficient backup capacity. The plan envisions 88.5 GW in new generation and the modernization of 66.4 GW of existing stations. However, critics argue that such upgrades may prove inadequate, especially given mounting demand from data centers, electrochemical ventures, and crypto mining.

As a result, leading mining stakeholders warn that slow construction of new power infrastructure could drive tariffs upward, undermining the profitability of bitcoin mining. Large operators emphasize that unless the total grid capacity expands significantly, the domestic crypto sector’s growth will remain uncertain, placing local projects in jeopardy.