Russia's new energy policy bans cryptocurrency mining in 13 regions

The Russian government's Electricity Development Committee on Monday approved the cryptocurrency mining restrictions, which will come into effect on December 1 and then be implemented every year from November 15 to March 15 until 2031. Deputy Minister of Energy Yevgeny Grabchak confirmed the decision, which targets 13 regions except Moscow, including Irkutsk, Buryatia and Transbaikal regions. The extension of the implementation period was approved to manage peak electricity demand and address energy shortages. Other affected regions include Karachay-Cherkasya, Kabarda-Balkar, Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republic. Following recommendations from the Ministry of Energy and local authorities, areas with electricity tariff subsidies and expected power shortages were designated as priority blackout areas. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak's office stressed that the measures are designed to address key regulatory and fiscal challenges in the affected areas.