The Ministry of Energy reports that the crypto mining ban introduced in early 2025 in certain areas of Irkutsk region during the autumn-winter period (OWP) is being considered for conversion into a year-round restriction. This issue has been submitted by the ministry for review by the government commission on power industry development.
Current Crypto Mining Restrictions in Russia
Due to a forecasted electricity shortage, the Russian government has fully banned crypto mining in ten regions from January 1, 2025, to March 15, 2031. Simultaneously, partial restrictions are in place in specific parts of Buryatia, Irkutsk region, and Zabaykalsky Krai, where bans apply each autumn-winter period until 2031.
- Complete crypto mining ban in 10 Russian regions for the specified period.
- Seasonal bans in certain areas of Buryatia, Irkutsk region, and Zabaykalsky Krai until 2031.
- The measures are driven by anticipated electricity shortages.
For a detailed analysis of the situation specifically in southern Irkutsk, see the article on the ban in southern Irkutsk, which explains the reasons and regional consequences.
Plans to Expand the Ban in Irkutsk Region
The Ministry of Energy has presented to the government commission the proposal to convert the seasonal restriction into a year-round ban for the southern part of Irkutsk region. This refers specifically to the territory within the Southeastern Siberian Energy System and the potential recalibration from a temporary to a permanent ban.
If approved, the current seasonal restrictions in this area will be adjusted to year-round. This matter is still under consideration; no official change has been announced yet.
Effectiveness of Restrictions on the Energy System
The Ministry of Energy reports that the introduced restrictions have already led to a reduction in actual power consumption in Siberia's energy system by approximately 320 MW. This figure pertains to the Siberian energy system as a whole, which includes Irkutsk region.
More general data on the impact of crypto mining on energy consumption and related restrictions can be found in the article on electricity consumption by mining in Russia.
Why This Matters
If you mine cryptocurrencies in Russia, especially in Siberia or Irkutsk region, these decisions directly affect the availability and stability of electricity in the local grid. If the ban is expanded, the seasonal restriction could become permanent, impacting the ability to legally operate equipment in specific areas.
For miners with small farms (1–1000 devices), this means that within the year-round ban zone, legal mining will no longer be possible, and seasonal shutdowns may recur annually until 2031. Meanwhile, the reduced load on the grid has already been recorded and is one reason for the measures taken.
What to Do?
If you live and mine in Irkutsk region or nearby, check whether your address falls within the southern part of the region mentioned by the Ministry of Energy. If your equipment is located in the zone of potential ban expansion, plan ahead for relocating or shutting down your farms.
- Verify the legal status of your site and address with your electricity provider or local administration to understand if you fall under the ban.
- Consider temporarily mothballing your equipment during seasonal restrictions to avoid fines or disconnections.
- If continuous operation is critical, consider moving part of your capacity to regions without restrictions or legal electricity supply schemes outside banned zones.
- Follow official announcements from the Ministry of Energy and the government commission, as decisions may change operational regimes in the region.
Additional information on extended regional restrictions is available in the article about the year-round ban in Buryatia, which explains reasons and timelines for the neighboring region.