Laos to end electricity supply to crypto miners by 2026 to power industrial growth

Laos will terminate electricity supply to cryptocurrency miners by Q1 2026, marking a significant shift in the nation's blockchain industry landscape. The Southeast Asian country plans to redirect power resources from Bitcoin mining operations to support industrial growth sectors including artificial intelligence data centers, metals refining, and electric vehicle manufacturing.

This strategic pivot reflects growing global tensions between energy-intensive crypto mining and sustainable economic development. The decision could impact regional cryptocurrency mining dynamics, potentially forcing Bitcoin miners to relocate operations to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions. Mining companies operating in Laos face a two-year timeline to either transition their facilities or seek alternative locations for their blockchain operations.

The policy shift underscores broader regulatory challenges facing the cryptocurrency sector, as governments increasingly scrutinize the environmental impact of proof-of-work mining. This development may influence Bitcoin hash rates and mining distribution across Southeast Asia, while highlighting the ongoing debate between traditional economic priorities and emerging digital asset industries. Crypto investors should monitor potential market implications as mining capacity redistributes globally.