On December 10, from midnight to 7:00 AM, internet providers across Abkhazia temporarily disabled internet services at the government’s request to combat illegal cryptocurrency mining, Interfax reported.

A special task force has been established to ensure energy security in the region. During a meeting, Timur Dzhindzholia, CEO of Chernomorenergo, revealed that mining farms operating in Abkhazia consume between 40 to 45 MW of electricity, amounting to over 350 million kWh annually.

“This accounts for half, or in some cases even more, of our current energy deficit. Despite this severe crisis, illegal mining continues, worsening the situation and impacting the entire population,” Dzhindzholia said.

Stabilization Measures

In response to the crisis, authorities have suspended classes in schools and kindergartens for a week. Since December 9, electricity has been supplied only twice daily for two hours and 20 minutes. A decision on declaring a state of emergency is expected later today.

Earlier, Cryptol reported that illegal mining activities are the primary cause of the energy crisis in Abkhazia.