Kyrgyzstan Temporarily Shuts Crypto Mining Farms Amid Energy Shortages

Kyrgyzstan has temporarily disconnected its crypto mining farms due to energy shortages. The move comes as low water in hydroelectric dams and rising electricity are straining the country’s power supply. 

Authorities have assured that mining operations will resume once energy conditions improve next spring. 

Energy Shortages in Kyrgyzstan Prompt Temporary Shutdown

Earlier this week, Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Minister announced that all crypto mining farms in the country would be disconnected from the grid. Electricity demand rises during the winter. At the same time, reservoirs feeding the nation’s hydroelectric power plants, including the Toktogul Dam, are running low.

President Sadyr Zhaparov explained that the decision was made to protect energy availability for the population. The president emphasizes that the projects not beneficial to the state are carefully reviewed and, if necessary, suspended.

Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan is not alone in facing electricity shortages during the cold season. Across the region, harsh cold months strain power systems. 

This week, Russia imposed a seasonal ban on crypto mining in two Siberian regions. Nearly a dozen other regions already have year-round bans. 

Authorities say the bans are needed to prevent grid overloads from digital currency operations. While some countries shut down mining plants, CleanSpark recently raised $1.5B to expand its operations.

Kyrgyzstan’s Crypto Farms Set to Restart in March 2026

Kyrgyzstan has two main mining sites. The first, located in Kemin, operates entirely on electricity imported from Russia through Kazakhstan. Despite paying transit fees and contributing to the state budget, it was also unplugged to conserve energy. 

The second farm, at the Kambar-Ata 2 hydroelectric power station, relied on unused electricity from the nearby plant. While the facility has a nominal capacity of 120 MW, only 90 MW are currently usable due to old transmission lines and transformers. 

The company running this farm has committed to upgrading its infrastructure to maximize efficiency once operations resume. Both farms are expected to restart mining activities in late March 2026, when lower energy demand and rising temperatures reduce the strain on the grid.

Kyrgyzstan Supports Crypto Mining with New Power Projects

President Zhaparov highlighted that crypto mining remains profitable for Kyrgyzstan. He also reaffirmed plans to invite more miners once new generating capacities come online. 

Key projects include the Kambar-Ata 1 hydroelectric power plant and a 120 MW solar station, scheduled to start operating by the end of the year. The Head of State said that the extra power generated by these projects in spring, summer, and fall should help meet future mining and other countrywide demands.

The government recently adopted a law “On Virtual Assets,” regulating Bitcoin mining and other crypto activities, including operations by state-owned enterprises. The legislation aims to provide a clear legal framework for the sector while balancing energy management priorities.

The move comes as the Central Asian nation plans to launch a digital currency, aiming to explore new ways to strengthen its economy.