Cryptocurrency

Abkhazia moves to shut down cryptomining as blackouts escalate

For years, Abkhazia has suffered from seasonal blackouts every winter. While the authorities blame cryptocurrency miners, experts say the problem goes much deeper. Power outages are a winter tradition in Abkhazia. Abkhazia’s electricity supply depends on water levels in the hydroelectric power plant on the River Ingur (Enguri), which is jointly managed by Abkhazian and Georgian staff. During winter, these are critically low, as the mountains are covered with snow and very little water reaches