**Belarus President Proposes Mining Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Using Surplus Energy**
This week, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus expressed his interest in utilizing the country’s surplus electricity to mine cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, in order to build a reserve. “Look at this mining. More and more people are turning to me. If it is profitable for us, let’s do it,” President Lukashenko stated. “We have excess electricity. Let them create this cryptocurrency and so on.”
Lukashenko highlighted the global trend towards cryptocurrency mining, particularly noting the United States’ growing involvement in the industry under former President Donald Trump, who has also suggested establishing a strategic reserve of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. “Moreover, you see the path the world is going. And especially the largest economy in the world. They announced yesterday that they will keep [Bitcoin & cryptocurrency] in reserve,” he remarked.
He further emphasized the potential for Belarus to engage in cryptocurrency mining, suggesting that attracting investors and selling them electricity could be beneficial. “Well, maybe we should do it ourselves. There are such proposals. I think that you will step over this bureaucracy and report what needs to be done.”
The interest in cryptocurrency mining has gained momentum globally, with leaders like Trump advocating for the industry. Following Trump’s proposal for a strategic Bitcoin reserve at The Bitcoin Conference in Nashville last summer, various government officials worldwide have begun to explore similar initiatives. Recently, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that plans for a U.S. strategic reserve of Bitcoin are moving forward.
As the United States continues to embrace Bitcoin, other nations, including Belarus, are taking notice and considering similar paths for national adoption of cryptocurrency mining.