Kyrgyzstan cuts off all mining farms amid power deficit, winter strain

Kyrgyzstan has cut off all cryptocurrency mining farms amid a worsening power deficit and a harsh winter outlook, a measure confirmed by Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev, who said the facilities were disconnected due to a severe electricity shortage in the country.

The minister noted that in the current conditions of an electricity deficit, a decision has been made to completely shut down all mining farms across the republic, adding that he is keeping the issue under special control, Caliber.Az reports per Kyrgyz media.

Ibraev explained that low water levels in the Toktogul Reservoir and other water bodies have caused a significant shortfall in electricity generation. To get through the upcoming harsh winter without major restrictions, the government has decided to fully disconnect all mining farms nationwide.

He stressed that citizens, companies, and organisations must conserve electricity.

Kyrgyzstan relies primarily on hydropower plants, and water levels are critically low — almost 2 billion cubic meters less than a year ago.

The government is also accelerating the construction and modernisation of small and medium-sized hydropower plants, as well as the country’s first solar power plant.

Reconstruction of the Toktogul HPP has been completed (adding 240 MW), other stations are being upgraded, and new hydro- and thermal power plants are under construction, including the 1,860 MW Kambarata HPP-1.

By Jeyhun Aghazada