Abu Dhabi prohibits cryptomining on agricultural land: fines and heavy sanctions for offenders

The agricultural authority of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa), has established a new prohibition on the use of agricultural land for cryptomining. The measure must protect the sustainability policy and prevent agricultural land to be used for activities that have nothing to do with food production.

Those who do not comply with the new rules risk a fine of 100,000 Dirham, converted more than 27,000 dollars. In addition, municipal services can be stopped, mining equipment can be seized and the connection to the electricity grid can be closed. According to Adafsa, cryptomining falls outside the permitted economic activities on agricultural land and is therefore prohibited.

Cryptomining under fire due to environmental impact

Cryptomining, the process in which digital currencies such as Bitcoin are produced, is the worldwide topic of debate. Critics warn of the negative consequences for the environment, such as high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Proponents emphasize that Mining also offers opportunities to use energy more efficiently, for example by re -using excess energy or using waste streams.

Various studies show that cryptomining can even contribute to the energy transition. For example, renewable energy sources such as hydropower or geothermal energy are used, and residual energy from industrial processes is used. In 2023, for example, methane energy was converted into usable electricity via bitcoinmining.

In a study from August 2024, researchers described how proof-of-work mining methane gas from landfills can convert into energy. As a result, less of this powerful greenhouse gas ends up in the atmosphere. An earlier report even predicted that cryptomining can reduce to 8 percent of global emissions by 2030. Nevertheless, environmental organizations and governments continue to argue for stricter regulations.

International pressure on stricter rules is increasing

Also outside the United Arab Emirates the pressure to restrict cryptomining. In the United States, politicians are urging the EPA environmental service to introduce stricter requirements to limit air and water pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce noise nuisance from mining installations.

Sustainability and food security first

With the ban on cryptomining on agricultural land, Abu Dhabi emphasizes that sustainability and food security have priority over profit from digital currency. The measure is a clear step towards responsible land use and can serve as an example for other countries struggling with the balance between technological innovation and ecological responsibility.