Pakistan to Convert 10GW Surplus Power into Bitcoin Mining Operations

TLDR

Table of Contents

Pakistan plans to use its 10GW surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining
Bilal bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s Crypto Council, confirmed discussions with Bitcoin miners
The country’s surplus power includes nearly 40% from renewable sources
Pakistan has formed a Crypto Council to develop regulations and explore blockchain potential
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has joined as a strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council

Pakistan is set to transform its unused electricity into a digital asset strategy by allocating its 10GW power surplus toward Bitcoin mining operations. This move represents a major shift in the country’s approach to both energy management and cryptocurrency policy.

From Wasted Power to Digital Assets

The Pakistani government is now in talks with multiple Bitcoin mining companies to utilize its excess electrical capacity. According to Bilal bin Saqib, who heads Pakistan’s Crypto Council and advises the finance minister, these discussions aim to convert wasted energy into Bitcoin holdings.

Pakistan generates approximately 10GW of surplus electricity that currently goes unused. This unused capacity costs the government millions in power obligations that are paid for but not consumed.

The surplus power capacity could range from 10,000 to 15,000 MW, varying with seasonal demand and system constraints. While most of this power comes from fossil fuels, about 40% is generated from renewable sources including wind, hydro, and solar energy.

By directing this unused electricity toward mining operations, Pakistan hopes to join other nations like Bhutan that have successfully leveraged their excess hydropower for cryptocurrency mining. This strategy would allow Pakistan to build Bitcoin reserves as a long-term asset rather than waste valuable resources.

Policy Shift Toward Crypto Adoption

The mining initiative is part of a larger transformation in Pakistan’s stance on cryptocurrency. The current government has positioned itself as tech-forward and youth-oriented, moving away from previous policies that banned crypto activities.

Earlier this year, Pakistan established the Crypto Council to explore the potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This council is working to create a regulatory framework for the industry.

The government intends to legalize crypto trading to attract international investment and bring more foreign capital into the country. Advisors from several countries including the UAE, Nigeria, Turkey, and the United States are helping shape Pakistan’s new crypto regulations.

Despite the lack of formal regulation until now, Pakistan already ranks among the top 10 global crypto adopters. The country has an estimated 15-20 million cryptocurrency users.

Building a Tech Ecosystem

Pakistan also boasts the third-largest freelance economy worldwide, creating fertile ground for fintech and blockchain innovation. The government sees cryptocurrency as a pathway to boost its digital economy.

Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, has joined the Pakistan Crypto Council as a strategic advisor. His role includes advising on blockchain infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and national initiatives including digital currency development.

Saqib has emphasized the importance of regulatory sandboxes to test crypto solutions safely. He has also called for training programs to upskill Pakistan’s youth in blockchain technology.

The government hopes these initiatives will boost exports and position Pakistan as a global tech hub. The country’s approach combines energy utilization with economic development through digital asset strategy.

This policy shift comes as Pakistan looks for new ways to strengthen its economy through technology adoption. Using surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining could turn a current liability into a future asset.

The mining operations would provide a steady use for electricity that would otherwise be paid for but wasted. This could help balance the country’s power grid while building a store of digital value.

With these initiatives, Pakistan joins a growing list of nations exploring how cryptocurrency mining can serve national economic interests. The strategy connects energy policy with financial innovation in ways that could reshape both sectors for the country.

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