TLDR
- France’s National Rally has proposed a bill to launch Bitcoin mining at state-run nuclear power plants.
- The pilot program would use surplus electricity during low-demand periods to generate Bitcoin.
- Électricité de France facilities will host high-powered mining computers for blockchain operations.
- Industry estimates suggest one gigawatt of unused energy could earn up to $150 million annually in Bitcoin.
- France lost around €80 million in 2024 due to wasted or underpriced surplus electricity.
France’s National Rally party has introduced a bill proposing the launch of Bitcoin mining operations at state-controlled nuclear energy sites. The initiative targets unused nuclear electricity to mine Bitcoin and aims to recover financial losses from surplus energy. The five-year pilot will deploy mining computers at Électricité de France (EDF) facilities to generate digital assets.
Bitcoin Mining to Utilize Surplus Nuclear Energy
The proposed bill seeks to use excess power during low-demand periods for Bitcoin mining at state-run nuclear power plants. The RN’s plan includes deploying high-performance computing units at EDF-managed nuclear facilities across the country. These units would execute blockchain algorithms in return for newly minted Bitcoin.
By doing so, the state could monetize electricity that is currently lost or sold at low prices on international markets. In 2024 alone, France lost approximately €80 million due to unsold or discounted excess power. Proponents argue the plan would redirect this loss toward creating state-held digital reserves through Bitcoin mining.
Projections suggest that using just one gigawatt of surplus nuclear power can yield between $100–150 million in annual Bitcoin. This could allow France to diversify its energy strategy and align fiscal goals with technological shifts. However, the plan would require extensive legislative approval to proceed.
Strategic Shift by National Rally Leadership
The bill marks a notable change in position from RN leader Marine Le Pen, who previously opposed digital currencies. Her 2016 stance criticized cryptocurrencies, but by 2022 she began supporting regulated use within financial systems. Now in 2025, her support for Bitcoin mining reflects an evolving strategic direction.
RN Member of Parliament Aurélien Lopez‑Liguori is leading the proposal and presenting it for parliamentary consideration. The bill follows a failed attempt in June to launch a similar energy-to-crypto program. This new version seeks broader support by focusing on national infrastructure and economic recovery.
The RN argues that integrating Bitcoin mining with nuclear power strengthens sovereignty while creating alternative revenue channels. Moreover, it would place France at the forefront of digital asset adoption through existing energy resources. This move aligns with RN’s broader policy of state-led technological transformation.
Potential Benefits and Growing Debate
Advocates claim Bitcoin mining could enhance energy grid flexibility by absorbing unused power during low demand. Mining centers can scale their operations up or down rapidly, which could help stabilize supply and demand patterns. This function may support energy management without requiring major infrastructure changes.
There is also interest in reusing mining-generated heat for community benefit. In colder regions, similar systems have heated public buildings and greenhouses. France could adopt such practices to reduce energy waste further while boosting public utility outcomes.
Still, environmental groups express concerns about Bitcoin mining’s energy intensity, despite its use of non-fossil sources. They argue that public endorsement of mining sends conflicting signals regarding climate goals.
