Powering Progress: Why British Columbia’s AI and Crypto Restrictions Highlight the Real Value of Mining and Energy
Introduction
Electricity is now more than a utility. It is a strategic resource shaping the direction of both digital and industrial growth. British Columbia has proposed legislation to restrict electricity use for artificial intelligence data centres and to ban new cryptocurrency mining projects (1). The province is signalling a preference for industries that create long-term economic benefit rather than those offering limited local impact (2).
This decision reflects a growing global tension between energy-intensive technologies and traditional resource industries that anchor regional economies. It also raises broader questions about how governments will allocate limited power capacity in the years ahead as electrification, AI development, and data infrastructure accelerate.
The Policy Shift in Context
British Columbia had already taken steps to moderate cryptocurrency mining. In December 2022, a suspension was placed on new grid connections for crypto mining projects through BC Hydro (3). The government is now developing a permanent framework for how such operations may connect to or be regulated within the provincial electricity system (4). The British Columbia Supreme Court recently upheld BC Hydro’s decision, confirming that restricting new crypto connections was reasonable for public interest and grid stability (5).
In this latest move, the province is expanding the policy to limit new power access for AI data centres and permanently block new crypto mining projects from joining the grid (1)(2). The reasoning is simple: mining, natural gas facilities, and other resource operations create employment, supply chain activity, and public revenue, while AI and crypto projects consume large amounts of electricity without producing comparable economic returns (2).
By the Numbers: Understanding the Power Demand
To understand the scale of this issue, global data centres consumed around 415 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, which represents roughly 1.5 percent of total global electricity use (6). The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects this figure could more than double by 2030, reaching about 945 terawatt-hours (7).
To put that into perspective, some data centre clusters now under construction are expected to use as much power as entire mid-sized countries (8). Within British Columbia, interconnection requests from cryptocurrency mining operations previously approached 2,000 megawatts, which is enough power to supply approximately 900,000 homes (4).
When a single large facility can draw hundreds of megawatts, it becomes clear why governments must decide which industries receive priority. These numbers demonstrate how high-power technologies can affect everything from residential energy prices to industrial expansion plans.
Balancing Power, Policy, and Progress
Electricity is no longer considered an unlimited resource. The competition for grid access now mirrors broader economic and environmental priorities. Projects that create employment, develop local infrastructure, and contribute to decarbonisation will increasingly be favoured over energy-intensive activities that offer limited regional benefit.
For AI and cybersecurity operators, this shift presents both challenge and opportunity. Data centres require massive power for training and storage, while cybersecurity systems often operate continuously. In an environment where access to electricity is controlled, efficiency and transparency will define success. Operators that can demonstrate local value, clean energy use, and measurable benefit to communities are more likely to thrive.
Implications for Industry and Employment
For the mining and energy sectors, this policy change may provide new advantages. Reliable access to electricity is critical for mineral processing, electrified equipment, and low-carbon projects. In an environment where power allocation is selective, operations that show strong community involvement and environmental accountability are likely to receive greater support.
For IT and cybersecurity firms, energy strategy will now form part of business planning. Hybrid models that combine renewable sources with grid supply or storage will become more common. Some companies may even relocate workloads to areas with more favourable energy conditions.
A natural question arises: could this lead to greater investment in off-grid power? The answer is yes. As grid access becomes constrained or more expensive, industries will explore alternatives such as private renewable microgrids, battery storage, and small modular reactors. These options provide energy independence and complement Canada’s sustainability goals. While the government’s policy is designed to conserve grid capacity for industries such as mining, many mining operations already generate their own power in remote regions. Their experience with independent and renewable systems could help inform how future data centres or technology facilities approach off-grid solutions.
This policy also underscores the ongoing importance of talent across both traditional and digital disciplines. Mining and energy remain long-term cornerstones of Canada’s economy, and the professionals who design, power, and optimise these systems continue to be in high demand. Roles that connect data, automation, and industrial operations are particularly valuable, since the integration of technology into resource industries is now essential for efficiency and sustainability.
Global Comparisons and Strategic Implications
British Columbia’s approach resembles discussions taking place in other regions. In several U.S. states, rapid growth in data centre and crypto mining operations has created significant pressure on local grids. European nations have also begun reassessing whether renewable energy should continue to serve data centres or be redirected to manufacturing and essential public needs.
Canada’s model appears more deliberate. By linking power allocation to employment, sustainability, and long-term value, British Columbia is positioning itself as a province that uses its energy strategically rather than reactively.
A deeper paradox also exists. While AI and data infrastructure are being asked to limit power use, the technologies themselves rely on hardware that depends on mining and resource extraction. From lithium in batteries to copper and rare earths in circuits, mining remains the foundation of digital progress. AI cannot expand without metals, and metals cannot be produced without reliable and affordable energy.
Conclusion
British Columbia’s new policy is not simply a restriction on AI or crypto mining. It represents a broader re-evaluation of what defines industrial value. As nations around the world face energy scarcity and climate obligations, decisions about electricity use will increasingly determine which sectors grow and which must adapt.
Mining, energy, and infrastructure continue to demonstrate their essential contribution to jobs and economic resilience. Meanwhile, AI and digital industries will need to evolve, showing that innovation can coexist with responsible energy use.
Off-grid and distributed energy systems may become the next frontier. As both digital and physical industries compete for limited electricity, those who can generate, conserve, or repurpose power most efficiently will lead the next phase of industrial development.
At Intelligenciia, we connect mining and technology professionals with the companies driving Canada’s resource and energy transition.
References:
EconoTimes. British Columbia Moves to Limit AI Data Center Power Use and Ban New Crypto Mining Projects, Oct 21 2025.
Investing.com. British Columbia to Limit AI Power Use, Ban Crypto Mining, Oct 20 2025.
BC Hydro. Electrical Connections for Cryptocurrency Mining, Aug 2024.
Government of British Columbia. Engagement on Cryptocurrency Mining Policy, 2024.
The Miner Mag. British Columbia Court Upholds Bitcoin Mining Power Limits, Mar 14 2025.
International Energy Agency (IEA). Energy and AI Report, 2025.
DatacenterDynamics. Data Centre Energy Consumption Set to Double by 2030 to 945 TWh, Apr 2025.
Wired. AI Is Eating Data Centre Power Demand and It Is Only Getting Worse, Jun 2025.