Key Highlights
- Russia’s Energy Ministry says crypto mining will not be banned in Moscow without a formal request from regional authorities.
- Officials say mining operations in the region consume 734 megawatts officially, though some estimates put usage near 1 gigawatt.
- Several other Russian regions have already imposed mining bans due to energy constraints.
Russia’s Energy Ministry has confirmed that it does not plan to ban cryptocurrency mining in Moscow and the surrounding region, despite concerns over rising electricity consumption.
According to a local report, Andrey Maksimov, head of the ministry’s electrical power development department, said a mining ban can only be imposed if a regional governor submits an official request. Since no such request has been made by Moscow’s authorities, the ministry cannot proceed with restrictions.
Mining puts pressure on the power network
The statement comes shortly after Sergei Voropanov, Energy Minister of Moscow Oblast, proposed banning crypto mining to reduce pressure on the region’s electricity network.
He described it as an “extreme measure,” needed to protect the capital’s power supply. Moscow authorities estimate that crypto miners are using around 1 gigawatt of electricity, although the ministry’s official data counts 65 mining centers using 734 megawatts, including 20 large-scale facilities with 233 megawatts.
The idea involves using computers to solve complex mathematical problems, which creates new digital currency coins and verifies transactions on the blockchain. This process consumes large amounts of electricity, which has caused problems in areas that have power shortages.
Local authorities have also considered alternative measures, such as limiting the concentration of large data centers or restricting miners’ direct access to energy infrastructure.
Mining developments and regional bans
Mining activity has grown in Russia in recent years, but several regions have already imposed restrictions due to energy shortages. These include Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, parts of Southern Siberia, Buryatia, and Zabaykalsky Krai. Mining has also been halted in Russia-controlled areas of Ukraine.
Maksimov further explained that for regions to ban mining, it would require an official request from a governor, which Moscow Oblast has not submitted. This procedural step means the central government cannot impose a ban without a formal
At the same time, Voropanov says that mining has no positive effect on the region. But authorities continue to track the number of mining operations, as some estimates suggest more centres exist than officially recorded.
Ongoing scrutiny
Despite the disputes, mining remains a significant activity in Moscow. While officials argue it has a limited positive effect on the economy, it continues to draw attention due to its energy consumption.
Meanwhile, in December 2025, the Russian Ministry of Justice proposed a law to punish those involved in unregistered cryptocurrency mining in the country. The draft ruled for a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles (approximately $15,000) and imprisonment for up to five years in aggravated cases.
Also Read: Russia Tightens Grip on Crypto With New Trading Framework
