French lawmakers have submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to integrate Bitcoin mining into France’s national energy strategy.
The initiative seeks to repurpose the country’s recurring electricity surpluses from nuclear energy into economic and industrial value by leveraging Bitcoin mining’s flexible energy demands.
Turning Waste into Wealth by Harnessing €80M in Lost Electricity
France, one of the world’s leaders in clean energy production, generates over 70% of its electricity from nuclear power. However, the downside of this stable yet rigid energy supply is frequent overproduction.
In 2024 alone, nearly €80 million worth of electricity went unused, according to energy researcher Raphaël Bloch.
The new proposal, submitted as Amendment No. 547, argues that Bitcoin mining could transform this excess energy into a productive asset. Mining operations are highly adaptable, unlike other industrial consumers. They can ramp up or shut down instantly based on electricity availability.
The proposal outlines a multi-pronged strategy, including deploying Bitcoin mining farms near power stations to absorb surplus generation. It also aims to reduce stress on nuclear reactors by minimizing the need for constant output modulation.
Additionally, the proposal would revive old industrial sites as mining centers, stimulating economic growth in underutilized areas. It also seeks to recycle waste heat from mining rigs for urban heating or industrial processes.
This approach would make Bitcoin mining a valuable energy sponge: a tool for grid balancing, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction.
Aligning with France’s Climate Goals
Lawmakers stressed that a regulated, low-carbon Bitcoin mining sector would not conflict with France’s decarbonization efforts. On the contrary, it could support them.
The initiative also aligns with France’s ambition to achieve energy sovereignty, foster technological innovation, and create new green jobs in emerging sectors.
Rethinking Bitcoin Mining is a Global Trend
Meanwhile, France is not alone in rethinking Bitcoin mining. In recent months, Belarus has initiated a study on using BTC mining to absorb excess power. Similarly, Pakistan has earmarked 2,000 megawatts of electricity for BTC and AI data centers.
Meanwhile, the state of Texas in the U.S. has championed mining as a way to stabilize its wind-heavy grid.
Bitcoin mining researcher Daniel Batten notes that this controllable energy demand is precisely what the future of affordable and abundant electricity requires.
Overall, these efforts confirm a change in how countries view Bitcoin mining. Rather than seeing it as an energy liability, they now recognize it as an infrastructure-level energy asset.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
