The Norwegian government is planning to temporarily suspend new Bitcoin mining operations. This drastic measure, motivated by energy concerns, could redraw the European mining card.
In short
- Norway could temporarily prohibit new cryptocurrency mining centers in the fall of 2025.
- The government believes that energy must be redirected to uses deemed more useful.
- Bitcoin, Dogecoin and other cryptos operating on evidence of work are directly concerned.
- This decision is part of a global tendency of repression, after China and the US tax pressure.
A government offensive against the Bitcoin mining industry
The Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, has formalized the position of the Labor government: it is a major turning point in the Norwegian energy strategy. The stated objective is clear:
Release land, electricity and network capacity for the benefit of more creative activities.
The most energy -consuming technologies, especially those based on the Proof of Work mechanism (proof of work in French) above all. Bitcoin is therefore on the front line, followed by cryptos like Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash or Litecoin, also affected by this rise in regulatory pressure.
This offensive does not happen by chance. As of 2018, Norway had started to reduce its support for the mining industry by removing electrical grants. The ban on new projects would mark a notable escalation in this restriction policy.
The government nevertheless tries to spare technological innovation. “” The useful use of blockchain and AI technology remains important “, Specifies the official press release.
Energy challenges that upset European balance
The outbreak of energy prices in Norway is one of the main factors of this turnaround. The country, formerly advantaged by its abundant hydroelectricity, is today affected by the European energy crisis.
Interconnection agreements with neighboring countries gradually transform Norway into a “battery” of the continent, to the detriment of its own consumers.
Faced with this pressure, the authorities favor “socially useful” uses of electricity. Classic data centers and AI applications are favored, while the mining industry, perceived as speculative, is relegated to the background.
The repercussions far exceed the Norwegian borders. This decision is part of a global movement of regulatory hardening.
China had already caused a massive exodus of minors to the United States in 2021. Other European countries carefully observe the Norwegian experience.
Paradoxically, this regulatory pressure comes as American industry is going through a major crisis itself. Archaic tax rules and customs tariffs of the Trump administration financially strangle operators across the Atlantic.
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