Cryptocurrency mining is banned in Moldova due to the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine

Moldova’s Emergency Situations Commission has banned cryptocurrency mining in the country. The ban also includes the import of new equipment for miners. According to the decision of the Emergency Commission, this is one of the necessary measures taken in connection with the energy crisis.

Other innovations include a requirement for premises owners to use heating devices so that the temperature does not exceed 19 degrees during working hours and 15 degrees outside of working hours. The owners of the premises will also have to abandon advertising, decorative and architectural lighting, and utilities will have to turn off fountains. In addition, escalators in shopping centers will be suspended from 7 to 11 a.m. and from 6 to 11 p.m.

Moldova faced an energy crisis after Ukraine stopped exporting 30% of the country’s electricity in late October. It was during the last six months that the terrorist state of the Russian Federation damaged a quarter of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Also, the Moldovan state-run thermal power plant cannot supply the contracted 70% of gas due to a reduction in its supply by Russian Gazprom. Currently, Moldova is urgently purchasing energy resources from Romania to cover the shortage.

A week ago, the EU began to seriously consider the possibility of a complete cessation of cryptocurrency mining in the eurozone. The reason is the shortage of energy resources. According to the resolution, taking into account «the current energy crisis and the increased risks predicted for the coming winter,» the European Commission called on EU members to support cryptocurrency miners and reduce electricity consumption for cryptocurrency mining. In addition, the European Commission insists on the abolition of tax breaks and other bonuses for companies specializing in Proof-of-Work.