Energy Shortages Force Russia to Plan AI Data Centers in Belarus and Kazakhstan
Russia is making plans to deploy AI data centers in Belarus and Kazakhstan in part due to shortages in energy capacity, Data Center Dynamics reported. Consultations regarding the cross-border digital infrastructure expansion are currently underway within the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, following insights gathered from sources inside Russia’s IT industry and reported by the Russian news organization RBC.
The proposed shift highlights a growing friction between Russia’s digital ambitions and its domestic electrical grid limitations. While authorities weigh multiple foreign locations for the new computing hubs, no final decisions have been finalized.
Moscow Grid Pressures and Stalled Domestic Projects
Domestic data center development inside Russia has slowed significantly, with nearly a third of recently announced infrastructure projects stalling. Industry analysts attribute this stagnation to a combination of high capital costs, rising construction and utility expenses, and persistent difficulties connecting new facilities to overloaded power grids.
The energy crunch is acutely visible in the capital. Capacity in Moscow was reported at 22.6 gigawatts, leaving a thin reserve of approximately 12 percent. The Moscow Times previously reported that newly constructed data centers in the Moscow region cannot hook up to the power grid due to these severe capacity shortages. Regional authorities have discussed raising the strategic reserve of energy capacity from 12 percent to 15 percent, but the grid continues to strain under faster-than-expected demand growth alongside repeated power outages this year.
Earlier this year, Moscow announced plans for two new data centers in St. Petersburg. However, those regional additions fall short of resolving the broader infrastructure bottlenecks affecting the country’s broader digital economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t new data centers connect to the power grid in Moscow?
Moscow’s available energy capacity sits at 22.6 gigawatts with a reserve of about 12 percent, leaving no spare wattage to accommodate incoming high-demand digital infrastructure.
What regions is Russia considering for its new AI data centers?
Russian authorities are holding consultations to place new computing facilities in neighboring Belarus and Kazakhstan, though specific locations remain undecided.
How many announced data center projects have stalled in Russia?
Nearly a third of all recently announced domestic data center projects have stalled, primarily driven by expensive capital, rising utility costs, and grid connection hurdles.
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