Norway Pulls the Plug on Bitcoin Mining: Energy Crisis Forces Crypto Crackdown

Scandinavia's green energy haven just turned hostile to crypto. Norway—long a favorite for miners chasing cheap hydropower—is slamming the brakes on Bitcoin mining operations nationwide.

The energy reckoning arrives

With electricity demand outstripping supply, regulators are prioritizing hospitals over hash rates. Mining farms guzzling megawatts now face immediate shutdowns—no grandfather clauses, no subsidies.

Miners scramble for exits

Operators are already eyeing Siberia and Paraguay, proving the crypto industry's environmental promises melt faster than a shitcoin in a bear market. Meanwhile, Oslo bureaucrats are quietly high-fiving—they just freed up enough power to keep Norwegian grandmothers warm through winter without touching their sovereign wealth fund.

TLDR

• Norway Bans Bitcoin Mining Sites from Fall 2025 to Ease Power Strain
• Crypto Mining Curbed in Norway to Prioritize Essential Electricity Use
• Norway Freezes New Mining Projects, Eyes Energy for Industry and Public Services
• Bitcoin Mining Under Fire: Norway and Russia Tighten Power-Hungry Operations
• Nordic Crackdown: Norway Blocks New Miners, Russia Extends Regional Bans to 2031

The Norwegian government will impose a temporary ban on new Bitcoin mining centers starting in autumn 2025. Officials aim to reduce energy strain from mining operations and redirect electricity to more essential sectors. This measure reflects Norway’s strategic push to manage power-intensive industries amid increasing electricity demand.

Norway Moves to Restrict Power-Intensive Crypto Data Centers

The Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Administration confirmed the ban will halt the creation of new crypto data centers. These facilities consume large volumes of electricity and the government wants to prioritize energy for industries that offer more benefits. The ban targets setups using the most energy-demanding mining technologies.

This restriction comes as the country experiences pressure on its energy infrastructure due to rising consumption. Norway generates most of its electricity from hydropower, which attracts mining firms seeking cheap and renewable energy. However, the government maintains that crypto mining offers limited economic contribution.

JUST IN: Norway to BAN bitcoin mining facilities.

Digitalization Minister Karianne Tung says Bitcoin mining uses significant electricity with minimal local economic benefits.

— Jacob King (@JacobKinge) June 20, 2025

Authorities already started tightening control over data centers in 2024 through new registration laws. All operators must disclose ownership and services before commencing operations. These regulatory steps reflect a broader effort to ensure projects align with national energy and infrastructure priorities.

Bitcoin Mining Faces Scrutiny Over Energy Use and Local Impact

Bitcoin mining accounts for a significant portion of Norway’s crypto energy footprint and contributes to nearly 2% of global hash rate. Although this activity depends on renewable energy, the government remains concerned about sustainability and resource allocation. Mining activity causes noise pollution and public discontent.

In late 2024, residents in Hadsel forced the shutdown of a major mining center due to noise issues. That closure led to a rise in electricity bills, since the facility covered a substantial portion of local utility income. These developments highlight the trade-offs communities face when hosting energy-heavy crypto projects.

The upcoming restrictions do not target existing mining operations, which may continue under current regulations. However, future expansion will remain on hold until the government reviews national electricity needs. Norway hopes to preserve energy for manufacturing, public services, and green transition goals.

Russia Enforces Broader and Longer Crypto Mining Restrictions

Russia has taken a stronger stance by banning crypto mining in ten regions from January 2025 through March 2031. These regions include parts of Siberia and the occupied territories of Ukraine, where power use peaks seasonally. The country wants to prevent strain on local grids and ensure power stability during harsh winters.

Authorities also apply temporary mining restrictions during high-demand seasons, especially in areas vulnerable to power shortages. These seasonal policies vary by region and depend on grid performance forecasts. Russia continues to monitor mining activity to enforce these long-term measures effectively.

Russia sees limited value in allowing unrestricted crypto mining. The country prefers to allocate energy to residential and industrial use. Like Norway, Russia questions the sector’s local economic contribution and its alignment with national development targets.