Ethiopian Electric Power to phase out crypto mining operations

State-owned Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has announced its intention to shut down all the crypto mining operations in the country, due to their activities   and growing concerns.

Crypto mining firms started setting up shops in Ethiopia over the past year due to the low energy tariffs. While the government is also eager to accommodate foreign investment, concerns over increased energy needs have led the heads of EPP to reconsider things.

In the recently published Ethiopian Energy Outlook 2025 report, it was revealed that cryptocurrency mining is on track to consume about a third of the total power output of Ethiopia this year. The report highlighted that this level of consumption could compromise essential sectors, especially areas still struggling with blackouts and diesel dependency.

“Since the demand and supply balance is tight, it remains an open question whether the power could be better used for export, general electrification, or other productive uses, like pumping of water in the water and agriculture sector, where diesel generators are used to a wide extent,” the report read.