Norway's government is considering a temporary ban on new cryptocurrency mining operations, particularly targeting those that use the most power-intensive technology. The ruling Labor Party believes that the energy consumed for mining could be better allocated to community data centers and blockchain innovation. Energy Minister Terje Aasland emphasized that prohibiting high-energy mining would conserve resources for more productive uses, contributing to job creation and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Norway has previously restricted crypto mining, notably in 2018 when it revoked electricity subsidies for miners. Despite possessing abundant hydroelectric power, Norway's electricity costs have recently increased due to reduced energy availability from neighboring countries. The ban aims to ensure that the resources are used in ways that benefit society, while not hindering useful technological developments. The specific cryptocurrencies affected by this potential ban were not disclosed, but Bitcoin and Dogecoin are primary targets due to their mining processes.

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