Iran’s capital and outlying provinces have faced rolling power blackouts for weeks in October and November, with electricity cuts disrupting people’s lives and businesses.

Summary

Iran is experiencing widespread power outages, with cryptocurrency mining suspected as a contributing factor.

Bitcoin mining, which requires massive electricity, has surged in Iran due to subsidized energy and rising bitcoin prices, recently hitting $100,000.

Officials blame unauthorized miners using free or subsidized electricity, while public frustration grows over blackouts.

Iran’s energy crisis is compounded by sanctions, aging infrastructure, low fuel reserves, and climate change.

Authorities struggle to balance energy needs amid allegations of mining by paramilitary groups and fears of economic dependence on volatile cryptocurrencies.

  • CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    5·
    5 days ago

    WTF, that logic.

    It’s especially painful because some (most?) other cryptocurrencies don’t need energy-hungry mining. Bitcoin was just first. It’s like everyone’s still buying the Apple I.