France is considering a significant shift in its energy strategy, with lawmakers from the Rassemblement National (RN) party proposing to utilize the nation's substantial nuclear energy surplus for Bitcoin mining. This initiative, spearheaded by RN lawmaker Aurélien Lopez-Liguori and supported by party leader Marine Le Pen, aims to convert excess electricity into digital assets, potentially generating substantial annual revenue.
The proposal outlines a five-year pilot program to redirect up to one gigawatt of electricity from nuclear sites operated by Électricité de France (EDF). Projections suggest this could yield between $100 million and $150 million annually, a move intended to offset nuclear fleet costs and create a new public revenue stream. This strategic pivot represents a notable evolution in the RN's stance on cryptocurrencies; Marine Le Pen, who in 2016 called for a ban on digital currencies, now advocates for Bitcoin mining as a national strategy. France's energy landscape is characterized by a significant surplus of electricity, largely due to its extensive nuclear power infrastructure, which accounts for over 70% of the country's electricity generation. This surplus often leads to negative electricity prices, causing financial losses for energy producers. In 2024, France's transmission operator had to pay to offload surplus electricity, with producers losing an estimated €80 million due to negative prices. The RN's plan seeks to address this by stabilizing the national grid and fostering new economic opportunities through Bitcoin mining facilities.
The initiative has drawn parallels to similar projects in the United States and Canada, where surplus energy is being utilized for Bitcoin mining. Supporters highlight the potential for near-zero-emission mining, contrasting it with operations reliant on fossil fuels. However, critics raise concerns about energy allocation priorities and the environmental impact, even with nuclear power. The proposal also faces political hurdles, as a similar initiative was reportedly rejected in June 2025. If approved, France could become the first European country to officially integrate state-backed Bitcoin mining with its nuclear energy infrastructure. The plan also includes secondary objectives such as recovering heat from mining operations and revitalizing abandoned industrial sites, potentially creating jobs and stimulating local economies.