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  • 2 minutes read

France Considers Using Nuclear Power for Bitcoin Mining

Story Highlights
  • Franceโ€™s far-right National Rally proposes a five-year pilot to mine Bitcoin using surplus nuclear energy from plants like Flamanville.

  • The plan could generate $100โ€“150 million annually while helping stabilize the power grid and reuse heat from mining operations.

  • Critics question the environmental impact, and political hurdles remain after a similar proposal was rejected in June.

Franceโ€™s far-right National Rally party, Rassemblement National (RN), is preparing a bill to tap into the nationโ€™s surplus nuclear energy to mine Bitcoin. The proposal, led by MP Aurรฉlien Lopezโ€‘Liguori, would run as a fiveโ€‘year pilot program at nuclear plants like Flamanville.ย 

The idea behind this initiative is that when power demand is low, nuclear plants often produce more energy than the grid can use. Instead of wasting it, RN wants to turn that spare electricity into digital gold. 

From Crypto Ban to Bitcoin Mining, Marine Le Penโ€™s Policy Shift

This marks a big shift for RN leader Marine Le Pen. In 2016, she called for a total ban on cryptocurrencies, claiming they were tools of elites and Wall Street. By 2022, her stance had softened with her changing stance she supported regulating crypto instead of banning it. Now, in 2025, sheโ€™s gone further, backing a plan for France to directly produce Bitcoin using its nuclear capacity.

How It Could Pay Off

Industry estimates suggest that using just one gigawatt of surplus nuclear power could bring in $100โ€“150 million per year in Bitcoin revenue. Instead of losing money during periods of oversupply, when electricity prices can even turn negative, the state could convert unused energy into profit.

Supporters argue that this plan could help stabilize the power grid. Bitcoin mining farms can quickly power up during excess supply and shut down when demand rises, acting as a buffer for the grid. Thereโ€™s also potential to reuse the heat generated by mining to warm homes, greenhouses, or even public swimming pools, a concept already used in parts of Scandinavia.

Mixed Reaction

While RN hails this as a winโ€‘win, critics arenโ€™t convinced. Environmental groups argue that even with nuclear power, crypto mining still consumes a lot of energy and shouldnโ€™t be encouraged. Politically, the bill faces challenges, as a similar proposal was rejected in June due to parliamentary rules. RN will need strong support to push it through this time.

Why This Matters

If France moves ahead, it could become the first European country to officially combine nuclear energy and Bitcoin mining. This would not only boost the countryโ€™s Bitcoin reserves but also set an example for other nations exploring ways to monetize surplus renewable or nuclear energy. For crypto watchers, itโ€™s a sign of how far Bitcoin has come, from being dismissed as risky speculation to becoming part of national economic strategies.

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FAQs

What is Franceโ€™s RN Bitcoin mining proposal?

RN plans a five-year pilot to use surplus nuclear power from plants like Flamanville to mine Bitcoin.

How much revenue could the plan generate?

One gigawatt of surplus nuclear power could yield $100โ€“150 million in Bitcoin annually.

How would mining help the power grid?

Mining can absorb excess power when demand is low and shut down when demand rises, stabilizing the grid.

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