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Kazakhstan has approved rules allowing large crypto miners to buy electricity under 10-year contracts at regulated ceiling tariffs in exchange for contributing part of their output to a national digital asset reserve.
Government Resolution No. 638 takes effect on August 1. The framework gives qualifying operators more predictable power access while directing mined assets into a reserve managed through institutions linked to the National Bank.
Miners Must Transfer 10% of Output After Power Costs
Approved operators must transfer crypto assets each month to a dedicated wallet held by the Astana Hub autonomous cluster fund. The assets will then move into trust management at the National Investment Corporation of the National Bank for investment through the National Strategic Crypto Reserve.
The contribution equals 10% of mined assets remaining after electricity and transmission-related costs, including VAT, are deducted. Transfers must be completed by the 25th day of the following month. Miners will receive no payment for the assets sent to the fund.
150MW Data Centers Set the Entry Threshold
The program is limited to miners that own data centers with at least 150 megawatts of capacity. Each mining unit must deliver at least 150 terahashes per second. Facilities also need connections through substations rated at 35 kilovolts or higher.
Applicants must maintain two internet service contracts, an on-site repair center and qualified technical staff. Companies with unpaid taxes, mandatory social contributions or property subject to seizure, pledges or disposal restrictions will not qualify.
Ekibastuz GRES-1 Receives the First 300MW Quota
Ekibastuz GRES-1 will initially be the only participating power producer. The plant has received a 300 MW quota allocated to strategic mining.
Approved miners will buy power directly from the plant at prices that cannot exceed its regulated maximum tariff.
That arrangement gives eligible miners long-term power access while directing part of their mined output into the state-backed crypto reserve.
Applications Will Move Through Kazakhstan’s E-Licensing System
Applications can be filed through Kazakhstan’s E-licensing system. Officials have three working days to check documents.
A commission then has five working days to review technical eligibility and available power. Successful applicants must sign agreements with Astana Hub and the power producer within five working days.
Annual Audits Will Verify Crypto Reserve Transfers
Miners may continue conventional operations alongside the strategic program. They must separate wallets, electricity use and production records for each activity.
Annual independent audits are due by April 1. Any reserve shortfall must be transferred within 30 calendar days.
The next confirmed step is implementation of the strategic mining rules when Government Resolution No. 638 takes effect on August 1.
