The Other Bitcoin Boom: Crypto Mining in Russia’s Shadow Territories
The key elements in this are the unusual arrangements for both gas supply and energy generation between Moldova proper and Transnistria. Both territories receive Gazprom gas by pipeline, and for both the gas is billed via the Gazprom-Moldovagaz contract (Moldovagaz is 50% controlled by Gazprom). But while Moldova pays for its gas, Transnistria’s is nominally added to the circa $709 million debt of Moldovagas, a sum which is disputed and whose repayment prospects are modest and which is also disputed.
Since Maia Sandu came to power as Moldova’s president in 2021 the country has reduced its dependence on this source. But what has not changed is that Transnistria’s gas is effectively free and is used to power the 2,500 MW MGRES…
