French Far-Right Party Reverses Stance On Bitcoin Mining
France's Rassemblement National party has drafted legislation to use surplus nuclear energy for Bitcoin mining operations. According to Cointelegraph, party leader Marine Le Pen now supports mining Bitcoin with idle nuclear electricity after previously calling for cryptocurrency bans.
RN lawmaker Aurélien Lopez-Liguori spearheaded the proposal in the French Parliament. The bill would install mining infrastructure at sites operated by Électricité de France. Le Pen promoted the plan during a March 11 visit to the Flamanville nuclear plant.
The party describes the initiative as turning wasted electricity into secure and profitable digital assets. This represents a complete reversal from Le Pen's 2016 position when she promised to prevent cryptocurrency use in France.
Why Nuclear Mining Matters For France
France faces costly energy waste from its nuclear power dominance. CoinDesk reports that France lost €80 million in 2024 due to negative electricity prices when surplus power sold at losses. The country produces more electricity than it consumes, with nuclear providing over 70% of total power output.
Lopez-Liguori estimates that one gigawatt of surplus energy could generate $100-150 million annually through Bitcoin mining. The proposal includes a five-year test program to redirect unused nuclear capacity during low-demand periods. Mining centers would activate only when surplus power becomes available, providing grid stability without affecting consumer electricity supply.
We previously reported that 15 US states are moving forward with plans for Bitcoin reserves, with Pennsylvania, Arizona, and New Hampshire proposing allocations up to 10% of public funds for Bitcoin purchases. This government interest demonstrates growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin as a strategic asset.
Industry Impact And Global Trends
The French proposal positions Bitcoin mining as a solution for renewable energy grid management worldwide. Digital Watch Observatory notes that growing renewables like wind and solar create frequent grid imbalances and overproduction. Mining operations provide flexible demand that can balance electricity supply fluctuations.
France would become the first European country to officially integrate nuclear power with Bitcoin mining if the legislation passes. Other nations are exploring similar strategies, with Pakistan committing 2,000 megawatts to mining operations and Bhutan operating state-backed mining since 2020.
Environmental critics argue that crypto mining remains energy-intensive regardless of power source. However, proponents counter that utilizing surplus nuclear energy reduces waste while providing economic benefits. The proposal also includes heat recovery systems to warm homes and industrial facilities, following models used in Finland and Norway.
Political challenges remain significant as the initiative comes from France's far-right party. Previous crypto mining amendments failed in the French National Assembly, and environmental groups continue opposing energy-intensive blockchain operations despite clean power sources.
