The Venezuelan government has joined the growing list of countries taking a hard stance on cryptocurrency mining due to its substantial electricity demands. Venezuela’s Ministry of Electric Power recently announced plans to disconnect crypto mining farms from the national power grid, aiming to control excessive energy use and ensure a stable power supply for its citizens.

Venezuela's National Association of Cryptocurrencies confirmed the prohibition of crypto mining in the country through an X post. This policy follows a recent operation in Maracay, where authorities seized 2,000 cryptocurrency mining devices as part of an anti-corruption initiative.

Officials from the Ministry emphasized that these measures are crucial for providing efficient and reliable electrical service throughout Venezuela. The national power supply has been unstable for over a decade, with frequent blackouts since 2019 severely affecting daily life and economic activities.

Public Cooperation Essential

Rafael Lacava, the governor of Carabobo state, has underscored the importance of public cooperation in identifying illegal mining operations, urging citizens to report such activities.

Rafael Lacava

Countries like China and Kazakhstan have also implemented strict regulations or outright bans on cryptocurrency mining due to similar concerns about energy consumption. The Venezuelan government’s actions are part of a broader anti-corruption campaign, which has led to the arrest of several high-ranking officials, including Joselit Ramírez, the former head of the National Superintendency of Cryptoassets, implicated in corruption allegations.

Elsewhere, in Kazakhstan, major cryptocurrency mining operators have expressed their frustrations with high energy prices, highlighting the global challenges faced by the industry.

The Future of Cryptocurrency in Africa: Proof of Stake vs. Proof of Work

As the debate over the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining continues, the contrast between Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) becomes increasingly relevant. PoW, the consensus mechanism used by Bitcoin, requires significant computational power and energy consumption, leading to environmental concerns.

Conversely, PoS offers a more sustainable alternative. PoS systems select validators based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral, significantly reducing the energy required to maintain the blockchain.

For African countries, adopting PoS over PoW could be beneficial. The continent faces unique challenges, including energy shortages and economic constraints. PoS, with its lower energy requirements, presents a more viable and environmentally friendly option for blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption in Africa. As global attention shifts towards sustainability, PoS may become the preferred mechanism, paving the way for more efficient and eco-friendly crypto practices.