Laos Targets 2026 to End Electricity Supply for Crypto Miners

Laos may cut off electricity to cryptocurrency miners by early 2026 to redirect power toward industries with greater economic impact, such as AI data centers, metals refining, and electric vehicles, Deputy Energy Minister Chanthaboun Soukaloun told Reuters. Crypto firms had surged into Laos after a 2021 policy shift and access to cheap, non-fossil energy, leading to a mining boom. However, the government has already begun scaling back, with miners now using about 150 megawatts—down 70% from a 2021–2022 peak of 500 MW. Soukaloun noted the phase-out was initially planned for this year but was delayed due to heavy rainfall that boosted hydropower output and allowed for increased electricity exports to Thailand and Vietnam.