British Columbia’s Permanent Ban on New Crypto Mining Grid Connections
In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainable energy management, British Columbia, Canada, has announced a permanent ban on new grid connections for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency mining operations. This decision aligns with the province’s broader energy and climate goals, ensuring electricity is reserved for sectors that contribute significantly to the economy and offer promising decarbonization opportunities.
British Columbia’s Regulatory Shift in Energy Distribution
According to the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions in British Columbia, regulatory changes scheduled for Fall 2025 will redefine how electricity is allocated to various industries. These amendments aim to prioritize sectors that generate employment and public revenue, such as mining, upstream natural gas, LNG, and manufacturing.
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Part of this strategy includes placing restrictions on the power allocated to data centers and artificial intelligence initiatives while fully banning new BC Hydro connections for Bitcoin and other digital asset mining operations. As the primary electricity provider in the region, BC Hydro’s focus on hydroelectric power aligns with the province’s energy sustainability objectives.
Suspension and Permanent Ban on Cryptocurrency Mining
The suspension of new cryptocurrency mining connections in British Columbia began in December 2022, prompted by concerns over the industry’s high energy consumption and limited economic contribution. Initially set for an 18-month duration, the suspension was extended to 36 months in 2024, with a potential lift in December 2025. However, the recent policy change establishes the ban as permanent.
Other industries facing power limitations in the province will engage in competitive projects starting early 2026. This initiative will allocate 300 megawatts (MW) for AI, 100 MW for data centers, and additional amounts for hydrogen exports, contingent on market conditions.
Global Context: Crypto Mining Under Scrutiny
British Columbia is not alone in reevaluating its stance on cryptocurrency mining. In Southeast Asia, Laos plans to phase out digital asset mining by the end of Q1 2026, intending to redirect its hydroelectric power resources toward sectors that provide employment and economic growth. The Laotian government is considering industries such as AI, metal refining, and electric vehicles.
Conversely, in Brazil, cryptocurrency mining firms are forging agreements with local energy providers to utilize the country’s surplus renewable energy. Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, recently acquired a South American agricultural and renewable electricity producer to power a Bitcoin mining facility with biomass-generated electricity.
Current Bitcoin Market Trends
Bitcoin’s market dynamics have experienced fluctuations, with its price recently retreating to approximately $108,600. This trend reflects the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets and the ongoing influence of regulatory developments on digital asset valuations.
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