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Why the world’s second-largest Bitcoin mining power is shutting down rigs in its capital city

Russia's second-largest Bitcoin mining power is shutting down rigs in its capital city, Moscow, due to a year-round restriction to mitigate power-capacity shortages. The Energy Ministry enacted the restriction to reduce the risk of power-capacity shortages as energy-inten…

By Francisco Rodrigues | Edited by Aoyon Ashraf·Aug 15·coindesk.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

The Kremlin in Moscow (Artem Beliaikin/Unsplash)
The Kremlin in Moscow (Artem Beliaikin/Unsplash)Image: coindesk.com

Russia's second-largest Bitcoin mining power is shutting down rigs in Moscow due to a year-round restriction to mitigate power-capacity shortages. The Energy Ministry enacted the restriction to reduce the risk of power-capacity shortages as energy-intensive mining facilities connect to regional grids.

Why it matters

This story matters because it affects the global Bitcoin mining landscape, particularly in Russia, which accounted for an estimated 16.4% of Bitcoin's global computing power in the first quarter.

Imagine a big computer that helps solve a puzzle to create new money. This computer needs a lot of electricity to work, and Russia is running out of electricity. So, they're stopping the computer from working in some areas to save electricity.

Analysis

Russia's Bitcoin Mining Ban: A Blow to the Industry's Growth

Russia's decision to ban Bitcoin mining in Moscow and parts of Kursk is a significant blow to the industry's growth. The country's Energy Ministry enacted the year-round restriction to mitigate power-capacity shortages as energy-intensive mining facilities continue to strain regional grids. This move follows Russia's legalization of registered mining in 2024 and subsequent bans in 10 other regions due to rising electricity demand.

The ban affects Russia's second-largest Bitcoin mining power, which was operating in Moscow. The Energy Ministry's decision to restrict mining in the region is aimed at reducing the risk of power-capacity shortages as energy-intensive mining facilities connect to regional grids. The restriction is set to run through Dec. 31, 2032, and prohibits participation in crypto mining pools.

The impact of this ban on the global Bitcoin mining landscape is significant. Russia accounted for an estimated 16.4% of Bitcoin's global computing power in the first quarter, according to Luxor's Hashrate Index. The country's decision to ban mining in Moscow and parts of Kursk will likely lead to a decrease in Russia's overall mining capacity.

The ban also raises concerns about the future of Bitcoin mining in Russia. The country's Energy Ministry has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and may impose further restrictions if necessary. This move has sparked concerns among miners and investors, who are worried about the impact on the industry's growth.

In conclusion, Russia's decision to ban Bitcoin mining in Moscow and parts of Kursk is a significant blow to the industry's growth. The ban will likely lead to a decrease in Russia's overall mining capacity and raises concerns about the future of Bitcoin mining in the country.

Key points

  • Russia's second-largest Bitcoin mining power is shutting down rigs in Moscow due to a year-round restriction.
  • The Energy Ministry enacted the restriction to mitigate power-capacity shortages as energy-intensive mining facilities connect to regional grids.
  • The ban affects Russia's estimated 16.4% of Bitcoin's global computing power in the first quarter.
  • The restriction is set to run through Dec. 31, 2032, and prohibits participation in crypto mining pools.
The Upside

If this ban is lifted in the future, Russia's Bitcoin mining industry could recover and even grow stronger. This would be a positive development for the industry and could lead to increased investment and innovation in the sector.

The Downside

If the ban is not lifted, Russia's Bitcoin mining industry could decline significantly, leading to job losses and economic instability. This would be a negative development for the industry and could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.

Market signals

Bitcoin
  • Bitcoin Russia's ban on Bitcoin mining in Moscow and parts of Kursk will likely lead to a decrease in Russia's overall mining capacity, which could impact the global Bitcoin mining landscape.

AI-generated analysis of potential market relevance. Not financial advice.

Originally reported at

coindesk.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagscryptopolicyrussiabitcoinmining

Author

Francisco Rodrigues | Edited by Aoyon Ashraf

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 15, 2026

Source

coindesk.com

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cryptopolicyrussiabitcoinmining

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