Norway passes law to crack down on crypto mining operations

Norwegian lawmakers passed a law requiring data centers to register with the government and report energy usage, intended to regulate crypto mining operations.

The purpose is to close the door on crypto mining in Norway, according to Digitalization Minister Karianne Tung and Energy Minister Terje Aasland.

Aasland claimed crypto mining is associated with large greenhouse gas emissions and not a business Norway wants, despite bitcoin mining not directly emitting greenhouse gases itself.

Industry experts argue Aasland's claims are unbacked, noting bitcoin's high sustainable energy usage and Norway's renewable hydroelectricity sources.

The law gives the state the ability to discriminate on energy usage, deciding who has the right to use power, according to crypto mining advocate Daniel Batten.