Moscow halts connection of new data centres due to electricity shortage
New data centres in Moscow have stopped being connected to the power grid due to a complete lack of available capacity.
This was reported by The Moscow Times.
All existing energy resources in the Russian capital are either already in use or reserved by major players until 2028. As a result, energy grid companies are either rejecting new connection requests or offering capacities that are insufficient for the operation of IT infrastructure facilities.
The situation with launching new sites in Moscow and the surrounding region is expected to remain critical for the coming years, as rapid expansion of generation capacity is not feasible. Plans to expand existing facilities, including the Kashira State District Power Plant, are scheduled for 2027–2030, but experts anticipate further delays.
Construction of new high-voltage lines from existing stations is planned only for 2030–2032. Consequently, the shortage is becoming a systemic constraint on the development of Russia’s technology sector. The current energy distribution model leaves new market participants unable to scale within the Moscow region.
After three years of unexpected economic growth, Russia is now facing a sudden slowdown — war expenditures, inflation, and falling oil prices are putting pressure on an economy that until recently appeared resilient to sanctions.
Consumer lending in Russia has fallen to a six-year low.
