Abkhazia Faces Energy Crisis Amid Bitcoin Mining Surge

According to Odaily, the State Security Service of the Republic of Abkhazia recently seized 194 private Bitcoin mining machines across various regions between December 10 and 13. Despite this crackdown, the operations of cryptocurrency miners appear to remain unaffected. Timur Dzhindzholiya, head of the state-owned power supplier Chernomorenergo, described the energy situation in the republic as 'critical.' He noted that despite rolling blackouts and rising costs of importing electricity from Russia, there has been no reduction in electricity consumption, indicating that crypto mining farms continue to operate in Abkhazia. Bganba, a government official, expressed his intention to persuade Acting President Badre Gunba and the national parliament to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector. Dzhansukh Nanba, the acting Minister of Energy and Transport, recently stated that cryptocurrency miners consume between 10% and 15% of the republic's electricity. The energy crisis in Abkhazia has intensified in December. On December 10, the republic's internet provider cut off network access for seven hours to alleviate grid pressure associated with cryptocurrency mining. On December 11, due to extremely low water levels, the power supplier was forced to shut down the critical Inguri Hydroelectric Station for approximately 24 hours. Reports indicate that 'the energy consumption situation in Abkhazia has reached a critical point.' Russia has announced that it will no longer provide Abkhazia with cheap electricity and will begin charging the republic standard commercial rates. In the past, Moscow had assisted in alleviating power shortages through emergency electricity supplies.