Bitcoin News Today: France Considers Bitcoin Mining With Surplus Nuclear Energy in Five-Year Pilot

France is considering a five-year pilot project to mine Bitcoin using surplus nuclear energy, a proposal led by National Rally lawmakers and supported by party leader Marine Le Pen. The initiative, filed in the National Assembly on July 11, 2025, seeks to repurpose underused nuclear power—often produced during off-peak hours—into a resource for cryptocurrency mining [1]. The plan involves allocating one gigawatt of nuclear energy to the effort, with high-performance computing equipment potentially installed at EDF facilities to convert otherwise wasted electricity into economic value [1].

Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, a National Rally MP, emphasized the importance of ending what he described as an "absurd logic" in energy management, advocating instead for a strategy that "valorizes our electricity surpluses to stabilize the grid while preserving our nuclear park" [1]. The proposal aligns with broader efforts to integrate digital assets into national energy strategies and could yield up to $150 million in annual Bitcoin revenue, potentially revitalizing local economies and creating jobs near nuclear sites [1].

The initiative draws parallels to similar projects in the U.S. and Canada, where surplus energy has been used for Bitcoin mining, sparking debates over economic benefits versus ethical and environmental concerns [1]. While proponents argue the use of carbon-free nuclear energy makes the project sustainable, critics question whether the energy could be better utilized in green industries or energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing. Additionally, the absence of formal regulatory guidance from the French AMF or EU bodies raises questions about the legal and policy framework for such an operation [1].

The proposal reflects a shift in political thinking, particularly from the far-right National Rally, which has increasingly positioned itself as a champion of energy innovation. Le Pen has highlighted the potential for France to lead in the integration of green energy with digital assets, particularly during a visit to the Flamanville nuclear plant in Normandy [1]. The initiative could also prompt broader regulatory discussions about the role of cryptocurrencies in national energy policy, particularly in the context of surplus energy management [1].

While the technical and political feasibility of the pilot remains uncertain, the proposal signals a growing interest in exploring non-traditional uses for nuclear energy. With over 70% of France’s electricity already derived from nuclear sources, repurposing surplus output for Bitcoin mining could serve as a model for other countries seeking to optimize energy use and diversify economic activity [1]. However, the initiative will need to address concerns related to energy allocation priorities, environmental impact, and the economic trade-offs associated with cryptocurrency mining.

Source: [1] The World This Week322 - Global Politics (https://globalpolitics.in/view_cir_articles.php?ArticleNo=1779&recordNo=1785&url=The%20World%20This%20Week)