Ethiopia Boosts Bitcoin Mining Power Allocation to 600 MW

Ethiopia has rapidly expanded its electricity allocation to Bitcoin mining, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for this activity. The country plans to further increase its capacity this year. Many of the miners are using mid-generation machines due to their low power consumption. Ethiopia to Expand Bitcoin Mining Power Allocation Ethiopia has reportedly … Read more

IMF Economists Suggest Electricity Tax to Lower Crypto and AI Environmental Impact

International Monetary Fund (IMF) economists have warned of the environmental impact of crypto mining and AI data centers, which are projected to increase global electricity consumption to 3.5% by 2027, leading to higher carbon emissions. Proposing a targeted electricity tax, the authors estimate a potential reduction in emissions by 100 million tons annually, while generating … Read more

Iran Escalates Crackdown on Illegal Crypto Mining Amid Severe Power Crisis

Iran is aggressively cracking down on illegal cryptocurrency mining as the nation faces a severe power crisis exacerbated by an intense heatwave. Iranian authorities claim that unauthorized crypto mining has significantly strained Iran’s power grid, leading to widespread industrial disruptions. A bounty program has been launched to encourage citizens to report illegal mining operations. Iran … Read more

Putin Signs Law to Regulate Crypto Mining in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted legislation to formally regulate the cryptocurrency mining sector in Russia, with the law set to take effect in November. This legislation establishes a regulated framework for mining operations, limiting participation from entities associated with electricity and prohibiting the promotion of cryptocurrencies. It also allows the circulation of mined cryptocurrency … Read more

Airbnb Host Imposes No Mining Rule After Guests Rent Her Property to Mine Crypto

An Airbnb host, Ashley, shared her experience on Tiktok about guests who accumulated a $1,500 electricity bill by setting up an electric vehicle station and mining cryptocurrency during their three-week stay. Despite leaving the property in excellent condition, the guests’ excessive energy use, captured on external security cameras showing them bringing in 10 computers, prompted … Read more

Crypto Mining Surge and Erratic Weather Strain Laos’ Power Grid

A report released on May 16 highlights how increased electricity consumption due to crypto mining and inconsistent rainfall have led to power shortages in Laos, challenging its goals as a hydropower exporter in Southeast Asia. Reuters: Increased Crypto Mining Strains Laos’ Hydropower Grid Laos, often called the “battery of Southeast Asia” for its extensive hydropower … Read more

Iran Shuts Down Over 8,000 Illegal Crypto Mining Farms in 3 Years

Authorities in Iran have closed down more than 8,000 underground facilities for cryptocurrency mining in the past three years, local media reported. Despite the government’s crackdown, illegal crypto mining continues to account for a serious amount of energy consumption, official figures suggest. Illegal Crypto Miners in Iran Steal 1.8 Billion kWh of Electricity, Official Says … Read more