Bitcoin News Today: France’s Far-Right Pushes Nuclear-Powered Bitcoin Mining

France’s Rassemblement National (RN) party has emerged as a key player in advancing Bitcoin mining, proposing the use of surplus energy from state-owned Électricité de France (EDF) nuclear plants to power the energy-intensive process [1][2][4]. The far-right party is reportedly drafting legislation to install mining infrastructure at nuclear sites, aiming to convert unused reactor capacity into digital assets while reducing energy waste [3][5]. Party leader Marine Le Pen emphasized that the initiative aligns with broader strategic goals, including energy independence and the development of France’s technological and financial sectors [6][7].

This marks a notable shift from the party’s previous stance, as Le Pen had historically expressed skepticism toward cryptocurrencies. In 2016, she called for a ban on digital currencies, warning that the digitization of money would lead to a loss of ownership and benefit the global banking system [1]. However, the current proposal reflects a strategic pivot within the party, which now sees Bitcoin as a tool for economic sovereignty and resource optimization [3][5].

RN lawmaker Aurélien Lopez-Liguori has led the legislative efforts, advocating for the initiative as a way to leverage France’s existing nuclear infrastructure [1]. The proposal also highlights a broader trend of political engagement with cryptocurrency, as the RN positions itself as a pro-business, pro-innovation force in the crypto legislative landscape [5][7]. Meanwhile, internal disagreements persist, with figures such as finance lead Jean-Philippe Tanguy reiterating a preference for centralized monetary policy over the decentralized nature of Bitcoin [1].

While left-leaning parties in France remain focused on the environmental and regulatory risks of mining, the RN has drawn support from crypto entrepreneurs and lobbyists who view the party as a champion of business-friendly policies [5]. The proposal could serve as a model for other countries with excess energy capacity, according to some analysts, though it also raises questions about regulatory oversight and the role of state involvement in the crypto sector [1][4].

By seeking to repurpose underutilized nuclear power for Bitcoin mining, the RN is pushing the boundaries of how energy and digital finance can intersect. If implemented, the initiative could represent a novel approach to resource management, leveraging existing infrastructure for new economic opportunities [5].

Source:

[1] "France's RN Party Pushes Bitcoin Mining With Nuclear ..." Cointelegraph (https://cointelegraph.com/news/rassemblement-national-bitcoin-mining-nuclear-power)

[2] "France's Far-Right Party Plans Bitcoin Mining with Nuclear ..." Cryptonews (https://cryptonews.com/news/frances-far-right-party-plans-bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-power-after-years-of-crypto-opposition/)

[3] "France Considers Using Nuclear Power for Bitcoin Mining" Coinpedia (https://coinpedia.org/news/france-considers-using-nuclear-power-for-bitcoin-mining/)

[4] "France Bitcoin Mining: RN Proposes Nuclear-Powered ..." Coin (https://www.coingabbar.com/en/crypto-currency-news/france-bitcoin-mining-nuclear-power-strategy?srsltid=AfmBOoqUFpJAze-THyKuNymiKURcgJTOMdmNSQ8l6IdGYR97YUiRHR45)

[5] "France's far-right party pushes bill to harness surplus ..." Coinness (https://coinness.com/en/news/78926)

[6] "French Far-Right Party Proposes Bitcoin Mining Using ..." Binance (https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/08-04-2025-french-far-right-party-proposes-bitcoin-mining-using-nuclear-power-27843488512282)

[7] "France's Far-Right Eyes Bitcoin Mining via Nuclear Power" The (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/04/frances-far-right-eyes-bitcoin-mining-via-nuclear-power/)