Norway Plans Temporary Ban on Bitcoin Mining to Conserve Electricity

The Norwegian government, led by the Labour Party, plans to impose a temporary ban on new cryptocurrency mining data centers that use power-intensive technologies starting in autumn 2025. This decision is driven by concerns over the high electricity consumption of crypto mining operations, which yield limited jobs and economic benefits to local communities, as emphasized by Minister for Digitalization and Public Administration Karianne Tung. Norway has become a notable crypto mining hub due to its abundant renewable energy and cold climate, but growing public scrutiny over energy use, noise pollution, and the desire to prioritize electricity for other sectors have prompted the move. The government also aims to support broader green energy transition goals by conserving power for industries deemed more beneficial to society. Similar restrictions and bans have been seen globally, including in China and parts of Russia, reflecting wider debates on the environmental and economic impacts of crypto mining. Industry stakeholders in Norway, including companies like Bitfury and Bitdeer, are affected by these planned restrictions.