In the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan прошло a meeting dedicated to powering miners.
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The meeting was attended by the local Association of Blockchain Technologies, the Association of Blockchain and the Data-Centre and Technology Industry, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry (Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry) and the system operator KEGOC.
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Energy Minister Magzum Mirzagaliyev emphasized that mining farms complying with the law will not be restricted in their electricity use, but data-centres must operate without compromising the country’s energy security.
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«Given the high potential of the blockchain industry, it is necessary to unite efforts for its further development. I am a proponent of dialogue, therefore I call on ‘white’ miners to jointly seek solutions to ensure the reliability of the unified energy system», — he said.
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The representatives of the blockchain associations noted that companies are prepared to consider the possibility of importing electricity and investing in the development of renewable energy sources.
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The Ministry of Digital Development proposed amendments to the legislation setting requirements for those engaged in mining. The initiative aims to identify ‘grey’ miners.
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Alan Dordzhiev, head of the Association of Blockchain and the Data-Centre and Technologies Industry, noted that often ‘grey’ miners operate in places where electricity consumption growth is unpredictable, for example in settlements in the southern regions of Kazakhstan.
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Earlier, in September, the Ministry proposed limit the energy consumption of mining data-centres in case of electricity shortages in the country. According to authorities, electricity consumption due to miners rose by 7% year on year.
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Members of the lower house proposed creating a registry of mining farms and raise electricity tariffs for mining. In June, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev already signed a law, providing for the introduction of an additional charge for mining.
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In November, Tokayev ordered immediate legislative regulation of this sector.
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According to the Association of Blockchain and Data-Centre Industry, cryptocurrency mining could bring in more than $300 million in potential tax revenues to Kazakhstan’s budget.
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