The landscape of cryptocurrency mining is facing significant changes, particularly in regions focused on sustainability. British Columbia is taking a decisive stance against new mining operations by enforcing a ban on grid connections for Bitcoin and similar projects.
British Columbia’s Permanent Ban on Crypto Mining
In a recent announcement from the British Columbia government, it was revealed that new regulations will be enacted in Fall 2025 to govern electricity access from the provincial grid.
The directive explicitly targets the energy supply for Bitcoin mining and other cryptocurrencies, intending to preserve resources for sectors deemed more beneficial to the economy and environment. BC Hydro, responsible for the province’s electricity distribution—primarily sourced from clean hydroelectric power—will halt new connections for mining farms.
The legislation aims to prioritize energy availability for industries that create employment and revenue while allowing a pathway to lower carbon emissions. These targeted sectors include manufacturing, natural gas extraction, and artificial intelligence.
Since December 2022, there has been a suspension on new cryptocurrency mining connections due to the industry’s excessive energy demands relative to its economic contributions. Originally slated for an 18-month halt, the government extended this period in 2024, decisively choosing to make the ban permanent.
For sectors permitted limited energy use, BC Hydro will initiate a competitive allocation process in early 2026. This will allocate 300 megawatts (MW) for AI initiatives, 100 MW for data centers, and various amounts for hydrogen exports, contingent upon market needs.
British Columbia isn’t an isolated case; other countries are also re-evaluating their positions on cryptocurrency mining. Laos, for example, plans to cease mining operations entirely by the close of Q1 2026, shifting its focus to industries that could enhance local job creation and economic value, such as metal refining and electric vehicle production.
In Brazil, interest is growing in leveraging the nation’s abundant renewable energy for cryptocurrency operations. Reports indicate that mining companies are actively forging agreements with electricity providers to utilize Brazil’s renewable surplus. Notably, Tether, the organization behind USDT, has invested in a South American agricultural and renewable energy supplier, aiming to fuel Bitcoin mining facilities with biomass-derived electricity.
Current Trends in Bitcoin Pricing
Amid these regulatory shifts, Bitcoin’s price has recently experienced fluctuations, currently stabilizing around the $108,600 mark.
