British Columbia Bans New Crypto Mining Projects
British Columbia has permanently banned new cryptocurrency mining projects. The province aims to protect its power grid and manage electricity use. New laws target emerging industries like artificial intelligence and data centers.
The government said this move will ensure clean energy supports projects with stronger economic benefits. Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix emphasized the need to act quickly. He said BC must leverage its clean-electricity advantage.
Electricity connections will prioritize industries such as natural gas and mining. These sectors provide more consistent revenue. The energy ministry warned that unmanaged growth could raise consumer electricity rates.
Regulating Power for AI and Data Centers
BC will also limit electricity for AI data centers. BC Hydro, the state-owned utility, will allocate 300 megawatts for AI projects. Another 100 megawatts will go to data centers. This allocation will begin through a competitive process in early 2026.
For comparison, Meta’s new Texas data center may use up to 1 gigawatt of power. Meanwhile, BC’s forestry, hydrogen, and manufacturing sectors will not face power limits. These industries can continue steady growth.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Indigenous Participation
BC plans to speed up the North Coast Transmission Line project. The government will skip some approval steps to save up to 18 months. It will also change how power connection costs are shared among companies.
New rules will allow Indigenous communities to own shares in future power projects. This will help them benefit directly from local development.
British Columbia’s new policies mark a shift in managing power use. The province balances economic growth with energy conservation. This approach may influence other regions to reconsider crypto mining’s power demands.
