Bitcoin News Today: France’s RN Proposes Bitcoin Mining Using Surplus Nuclear Power

France’s Rassemblement National (RN) is pushing a bold legislative initiative to utilize surplus nuclear energy for Bitcoin mining, positioning the country as a potential leader in sustainable cryptocurrency operations. The proposal, reportedly being developed as a formal bill, aims to harness France’s excess nuclear output—generated by Électricité de France (EDF)—to power Bitcoin mining activities [1][3]. This move is seen as a strategic step to turn unused energy into economic value while aligning with environmental goals [2].

The initiative is being championed by RN MP Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, who argues that redirecting surplus nuclear power to mining operations would not only minimize energy waste but also bolster national economic independence [3]. The political shift is particularly notable given RN’s historically conservative stance. Party leader Marine Le Pen, who previously called for a total ban on cryptocurrencies in 2016, now supports the idea of using nuclear energy to mine Bitcoin [1]. This marks a significant U-turn, as the party repositions itself in the evolving digital economy landscape [6].

Environmental concerns are a central component of the proposal. Unlike Bitcoin mining powered by fossil fuels, nuclear energy offers a near-zero-emission alternative, addressing criticisms of the industry’s carbon footprint [5]. The initiative aligns with global efforts to promote greener mining practices and could influence similar strategies in other nuclear-capable nations [1]. It also draws attention from crypto entrepreneurs and advocacy groups who view France as a favorable location for sustainable mining [4].

The proposal remains in the drafting stage and will need legislative approval before it can be implemented. However, it has already sparked national and international discussions about the intersection of energy policy, cryptocurrency, and economic strategy [8]. Some within the RN, such as financial policy leader Jean-Philippe Tanguy, have raised concerns, noting that the proposal may conflict with the party’s traditional emphasis on centralized monetary control [2].

If approved, the plan could involve EDF in the distribution of surplus energy to designated mining sites, potentially attracting interest from international crypto firms seeking low-impact energy solutions [5]. The move also raises questions about regulatory frameworks and how mining operations will integrate with France’s existing energy policies [9].

The RN’s proposal highlights a broader shift in political and economic thinking, especially as left-leaning parties continue to focus on regulation and environmental safeguards. With its forward-looking approach, the RN is positioning itself at the forefront of crypto innovation in France, drawing support from both domestic and global crypto stakeholders [4].

Sources:

[1] Cointelegraph - [https://cointelegraph.com/news/rassemblement-national-bitcoin-mining-nuclear-power](https://cointelegraph.com/news/rassemblement-national-bitcoin-mining-nuclear-power)

[2] Interesting Engineering - [https://interestingengineering.com/energy/france-nuclear-powered-crypto-mining](https://interestingengineering.com/energy/france-nuclear-powered-crypto-mining)

[3] Brave New Coin - [https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/frances-right-wing-party-proposes-bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-power](https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/frances-right-wing-party-proposes-bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-power)

[4] AInvest - [https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-france-backs-bitcoin-mining-surplus-nuclear-power-2508](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-france-backs-bitcoin-mining-surplus-nuclear-power-2508)

[5] Altcoin Buzz - [https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/cryptocurrency-news/frances-rn-backs-bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-energy/](https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/cryptocurrency-news/frances-rn-backs-bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-energy/)

[6] The Crypto Basic - [https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/04/frances-national-rally-proposes-bitcoin-mining-at-nuclear-facilities/](https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/04/frances-national-rally-proposes-bitcoin-mining-at-nuclear-facilities/)

[7] Benzinga - [https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/08/46831607/bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-energy-french-lawmakers-are-considering-it](https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/08/46831607/bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-energy-french-lawmakers-are-considering-it)

[8] Crypto Briefing - [https://cryptobriefing.com/bitcoin-mining-policy-france-shift](https://cryptobriefing.com/bitcoin-mining-policy-france-shift)

[9] TradingView - [https://www.tradingview.com/news/cointelegraph:0fb8919b8094b:0-france-s-rassemblement-national-party-backs-bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-energy/](https://www.tradingview.com/news/cointelegraph:0fb8919b8094b:0-france-s-rassemblement-national-party-backs-bitcoin-mining-with-nuclear-energy/)