Pakistan is planning to utilize its excess electricity for Bitcoin mining as part of a wider push to expand digital economic activities and improve foreign exchange reserves, officials revealed.
With a total power generation capacity of 46,000 megawatts—far exceeding seasonal demand, which peaks at 26,000 MW in summer and drops to around 10,000 MW in winter—the government aims to repurpose unused electricity. In the first phase, 2,000 megawatts will be allocated to support Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
Officials say this initiative will generate income without increasing imports, strengthen foreign reserves, and align with the country’s “Digital Pakistan” strategy. The project will be developed in partnership with the private sector, aiming to establish modern data centers that also create employment opportunities for the youth.
The plan also includes more efficient use of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which is expected to enhance the stability of the national grid.
According to the finance ministry, the electricity allocation is part of a multi-phase national plan to power Bitcoin mining and AI infrastructure. The move comes amid growing challenges in Pakistan’s energy sector, such as rising electricity costs and an oversupply of power, further complicated by the widespread shift to solar energy among consumers.
The initiative is being led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), a government-supported organization, and is seen as a key step toward monetizing excess electricity, promoting digital innovation, attracting foreign investment, and creating tech-sector jobs.
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