France’s National Rally (RN) party is drafting a new bill to launch Bitcoin mining operations at state-run nuclear facilities.
The proposal, spearheaded by MP Aurélien Lopez‑Liguori, aims to repurpose surplus nuclear energy during periods of low demand.
The pilot program, set to run for five years, would deploy high-powered computers at EDF’s nuclear plants for blockchain operations. Électricité de France (EDF) is the state-owned utility that manages most of France’s nuclear energy infrastructure. These machines would perform complex blockchain calculations in exchange for newly minted Bitcoin.
Economic Rationale Behind the Mining Plan
For context, French nuclear plants often generate more electricity than needed during off-peak times. Currently, this surplus energy is either wasted or sold at a loss. The RN’s plan seeks to capture that wasted energy and convert it into digital assets, essentially, transforming lost potential into state revenue.
Industry projections suggest even one gigawatt of unused nuclear power could yield $100–150 million in annual Bitcoin rewards. France lost roughly €80 million in 2024 due to surplus energy being sold at a loss or wasted
From Crypto Critic to Blockchain Advocate
This plan marks a dramatic policy shift for RN leader Marine Le Pen. In 2016, she strongly opposed cryptocurrencies, branding them as tools of financial elites. Her stance began to soften in 2022 with a call for regulation. Now in 2025, she’s advocating direct state participation in crypto mining, a significant ideological reversal.
Opportunities and Objections
Meanwhile, proponents argue the plan could enhance grid flexibility. Bitcoin farms can rapidly adjust power usage, helping stabilize supply and demand. There’s also potential to repurpose mining heat to warm homes, greenhouses, or public spaces, a method already practiced in parts of Northern Europe.
Despite its economic promise, the plan has drawn sharp criticism. Environmental advocates argue that crypto mining, regardless of its power source, remains energy-intensive and sends the wrong message on climate responsibility.
Politically, the proposal may also face a rocky path. A similar initiative failed to pass in June, highlighting the challenges of gaining broad parliamentary support. To move forward, RN must rally enough allies to overcome legislative resistance.
Should the bill pass, France could become the first European country to integrate nuclear power into Bitcoin mining. This step would not only expand France’s digital asset reserves but also serve as a model for other nations looking to monetize excess renewable or nuclear energy.
For many in the crypto space, this shift reflects how far Bitcoin has advanced, from a volatile niche asset to a tool considered for national strategy.
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