Key dealers
- Norway plans to temporarily ban new power-intensive crypto mining data centers to preserve electricity for other industries.
- Some miners in Norway adopt sustainable solutions such as heat recovery, despite increased restrictions.
On Friday, the Norwegian government said it intends to temporarily block the establishment of new data centers that are pushing crypto mining. The plan was first reported by Reuters.
According to Karianne Heavy, Minister for Digitization and Public Administration, crypto mining “is very power -intensive” and offers little return in jobs or local economic benefits, and the government wants to prioritize electricity for other sectors.
The proposed restrictions can enter into force in the autumn of 2025 and focused on facilities that use the most energy -intensive mining techniques.
Norway has been a popular destination for cryptogars due to access to plenty of hydropower. According to data From Webopedia, the country stands in the global top ten for crypto breaking activity.
However, this popularity has triggered the public’s concern about energy use, especially in the midst of growing electricity needs and green energy transition goals.
Bitcoin mining operations in Norway have also increased the public review of noise pollution. At the end of 2024, the inhabitants of Hadsel Municipality successfully pressed off to turn off a local mining facility due to excessive noise.
However, the closure drove up electricity bills for the inhabitants, as the plant accounted for about 20% of the local power company’s revenue.
High energy consumption is one of the biggest problems when it comes to crypto.
Russia has introduced a ban on cryptoma mining in ten regions, including the Northern Caucasus Republics and the occupied territories in Ukraine, from 1 January 2025, which lasted until March 15, 2031.
Seasonal restrictions also apply in some Siberian regions during maximum energy consumption periods to prevent power shortages.
