Geographic and structural features make Finland an ideal location for companies engaged in Bitcoin mining: the cool climate reduces the need for equipment cooling.

Finland is steadily becoming one of the most promising locations for Bitcoin mining in Europe. In addition to affordable energy and political stability, a key factor in this development is the country’s modern district heating infrastructure. An increasing number of companies are using the excess heat generated by mining operations to supply heating to local networks and buildings—going far beyond just producing Bitcoin.

A unique advantage Finland has over many Southern European countries is its advanced district heating system, which allows heat from decentralized sources to be efficiently fed into existing networks.

The innovative mining concepts being implemented in Finland offer a fresh perspective on a technology often criticized for high energy consumption: instead of wasting the heat produced by mining machines, it is reused efficiently.

ASIC miners heat water in their cooling systems to around 70°C during operation. This hot water can be fed directly into the district heating system, which is widespread in Finland. In other words, the by-product of Bitcoin mining becomes a valuable energy source, used to heat homes, public buildings, and entire neighborhoods.

Source: overclockers.ru

New York State Assemblymember Anna Kelles, a Democrat, has introduced a bill proposing that miners using the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus algorithm pay increased taxes based on their electricity consumption.

The bill provides for an excise tax on electricity used by cryptocurrency mining companies. According to the proposal, miners who use only renewable energy sources and are off-grid would be exempt from the tax. Companies consuming up to 2.25 million kWh per year would also be exempt.

Under Kelles’ proposal, for annual consumption between 2.26 million and 5 million kWh, the rate would be $0.02 per kWh; from 5 million to 10 million kWh, $0.03 per kWh; from 10 million to 20 million kWh, $0.04 per kWh; and above 20 million kWh, $0.05 per kWh. The proposal is an amendment to a bill earlier introduced this month by New York State Senator Liz Krueger.

Both versions of the bill are currently under review by the Assembly’s Committee on Budget and Finance. If Kelles’ bill is passed, it will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Nic Puckrin, co-founder of The Coin Bureau, believes that while these legislative initiatives do not ban cryptocurrency mining outright, they will make mining in the state unprofitable. Such measures do not encourage mining companies to switch to “green” methods but rather push miners to relocate to more crypto-friendly states, the businessman argues. Moving out of New York will be much easier and cheaper than “trying to comply with punitive regulations,” Puckrin added.

Source: bits.media

The authorities of British Columbia have decided to impose strict restrictions on electricity consumption for data centers involved in artificial intelligence, as well as to permanently ban the launch of new cryptocurrency mining projects within the province. Priority for connection to the region’s power grid will now be given to enterprises that the government believes bring greater benefits to the economy and residents of the province. Primarily, this applies to mining companies and natural gas extraction facilities — these sectors are seen by officials as creators of more jobs and significant contributors to the budget.

The British Columbia Ministry of Energy has officially stated that such measures are necessary for the rational allocation of resources and to support industries that have a real impact on employment levels and public income. Authorities emphasize that restricting electricity access for AI data centers and completely banning new crypto farms is a deliberate step aimed at protecting the interests of residents and fostering the development of key economic sectors. Thus, the province is betting on long-term stability and sustainable growth rather than short-term gains from energy-intensive digital projects.

Source: bits.media

Source: RBC.Crypto

Source: RBC.Crypto

Source: RIA Novosti