Can Russia use its energy to resurrect Kazakhstan’s dying crypto mining industry?

According to local rumors, Russia’s Inter RAO may commence commercial power export to Kazakhstan in November. The move follows claims that the nation is experiencing a severe energy constraint as a result of the fast growth of bitcoin mining.

Alexandra Panina, acting head of Inter RAO’s trading section, told the newspapers, “Inter RAO is in discussions with Kazakhstan on the prospect of commercial supply of Russian power in November. We want to launch it on the Kazakhstan market in November or December.”

According to reports, the targeted level of power supply is 400 MW per day. Meanwhile, Panina said that Inter RAO has the capacity to provide around 600 MW in a “perfect situation.” That is precisely the anticipated shortfall the nation would face in the coming winters. According to estimates, unofficial predictions indicate that the gap might eventually reach 1 GW.

Kazakhstan, which became the world’s second-largest Bitcoin mining location as a result of the scarcity, has begun limiting electricity during power outages. Kazakhstan’s electrical system seems to have been unprepared for growing use.

Having said that, the energy ministry calculated that data centers utilize enough energy in a month to power around 24 thousand medium-sized residences. Nonetheless, the nation has benefited from the crypto mining business. Kazakhstan’s economy is anticipated to generate around 98 billion tenges in yearly income from this industry. Alan Dordzhiev, the country’s energy association’s head, said further,

“The amount of 98 billion tenges represents the economic impact of mining on enterprises that are formally participating. When “gray” miners are included, this amount may be safely increased by two. Thus, based on current data, another 500 MW of power is being wasted “blindly.”

According to analysts, lawful mining might generate more than $ 1.5 billion in income for the government over the next five years. Additionally, possible taxes might exceed $ 300 million.

Recently, politicians suggested increasing taxes on mining farms in the nation in response to an “influx” of foreign miners. Deputy Zhambyl Akhmetbekov has said in this respect, “It is suggested to establish a legislative registration for so-called mining farms and to charge them an enhanced power rate.”

Also Read: Australia’s Securities And Investments Commission Supported Bitcoin And Ethereum Exchange-Traded Products