Pakistan Allocates 2,000 Megawatts to Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centers

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25.05.2025 185 times read 7 Comments Read out

Pakistan Allocates 2,000 Megawatts of Power for Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centers

According to MarketScreener Schweiz, Pakistan has announced the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity specifically for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. This move is part of Islamabad's broader strategy to utilize its surplus electricity for high-tech industries, aiming to address challenges in the country's energy sector, such as high electricity tariffs and excess generation capacity.

The rapid expansion of solar energy in Pakistan has further complicated the situation, as more consumers are switching to alternative energy sources to reduce costs. The initiative is spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a government-supported body. The Ministry stated that this allocation marks the first phase of a multi-stage rollout of digital infrastructure, with the goal of monetizing surplus electricity, creating high-tech jobs, and attracting foreign investment.

Key Figures Details
Electricity Allocated 2,000 Megawatts
Target Sectors Bitcoin Mining, AI Data Centers
Leading Organization Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC)
  • The initiative is part of a government-backed plan to monetize surplus electricity.
  • It aims to create high-tech jobs and attract foreign investment.
  • The project is the first phase of a larger, multi-stage digital infrastructure rollout.
The Ministry emphasized that this allocation is the initial step in a comprehensive strategy to leverage Pakistan's energy surplus for technological advancement and economic growth.

Summary Box:

  • Pakistan is allocating 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers.
  • This is part of a broader government strategy to address energy sector challenges and promote high-tech industries.
  • The Pakistan Crypto Council is leading the initiative, which is expected to create jobs and attract foreign investment.

Source: MarketScreener Schweiz

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Honestly, I get the argument from some people saying Bitcoin mining eats up so much energy and isn’t exactly “green-friendly,” but at the same time, if Pakistan already has an electricity surplus that’s just sitting there, why not try to turn it into something beneficial? The bit about solar energy expansion making things more complicated was super interesting – I wouldn’t have thought that more solar would actually *create* excess supply, but it makes sense if folks are dropping off the grid.

I saw someone mentioning the risk of foreign companies just coming in and not really creating real jobs for locals, and I totally get that worry. Still, if the government’s actually proactive about setting up regulations (big *if*, but still), there’s potential to steer this thing in a good direction.

One thing I keep getting stuck on is the long-term: this works while there’s surplus, but what happens if energy demand suddenly goes up or the grid gets outdated? I hope the “multi-stage rollout” the article talks about actually takes that into account, or else they’re just setting themselves up for a mess later on.

I guess I’m cautiously optimistic. If this brings tech jobs and more attention to innovation in the region, go for it. But if it’s just a windfall for a few miners and the power companies, then that’s just business as usual, right? Would love to see some real numbers in a year or two.
I see a lot of debate about the environmental impact, but no one’s mentioned how this could affect the stability of Pakistan’s power supply for everyday consumers. If that much power is going to data centers, will regular people have to deal with more load-shedding or price hikes? That’s a huge worry that shouldn’t be overlooked just because it sounds high-tech and modern.
Why dont they just use that extra power too lower house bills for everybody insted of giving it 2 big companys for minning&AI, seems like ppl could really use cheap lights more then try to bring "foreiners" who probly ship everythng out anyway.
Wait, so if they have all this extra electrcity, why don't they just help ppl who aint even geting reliable power insted of giving it all away for bitcoin stuff, feels like the article sorta skips over that part completly?
im seeing all the talkk about energy and jobs but no one really said how they will stop the eletricty theft stuff that always happens, especaily in rurel areas. It seem like risky if ur puttting that much power toward mining and tech thing and dont fix grid leaks, maybe it just get wasted or tapped off befor it does anything. Plus how are they gonna even mesure if AI centers actaully help with jobs, is there a way to chek that?>
Kinda weird nobody mentiond that 2000 megawatts is like a huge number but I don’t even kno if its enough for this AI stuff or miners, cos I saw other places need double that just for a single site.
I noticed no one has talked about potential strain on local communities if a big chunk of power is suddenly routed to these data centers. Will regular people have to deal with blackouts or higher costs? Hope the government keeps transparency and keeps everyone in the loop, otherwise this could cause more frustration than progress.
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