Kazakhstan plans energy upgrade with crypto mining
Over 70% of energy from upgraded plants would go to the grid, with 30% powering mining operations.
Kazakhstan is looking to modernise its energy system through digital mining. The government is also considering broader legalisation of crypto trading beyond its current regulatory zone.
Under a proposed ’70/30′ model, foreign investors would fund upgrades to thermal power plants, with 70% of the new energy routed to the national grid and 30% used by mining operations.
Kanysh Tuleushin, First Vice Minister of Digital Development, said the model mirrors practices in the United States, where miners consume surplus electricity to help stabilise supply.
He also suggested using leftover petroleum gas to power mining farms, cutting waste and boosting income for oil producers. The mining sector has contributed $34.6 million in tax revenue, registering over 415,000 devices and issuing 84 licences.
The government is working on plans to extend crypto trading beyond the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), which currently holds exclusive authority. Although trading within the AIFC reached $1.4 billion in 2024, the overall market is much larger and mostly unregulated.
Kazakhstan is additionally expanding the use of the digital tenge to ensure full transparency in public expenditure. The central bank has issued 250 billion digital tenge so far, using unique tags to trace how funds are spent.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
