France Wants to Turn Nuclear Surplus into Digital Gold: Bitcoin Mining as a New State Strategy?

French lawmakers are putting forward a surprising yet pragmatic proposal: use surplus nuclear energy to mine Bitcoin. Sounds like science fiction? Maybe. But according to them, it’s a smart fix for France’s long-standing energy inefficiencies — and a chance to push the country to the forefront of Europe’s crypto future.

From Nuclear Waste to Digital Profits? France relies heavily on nuclear energy — more than 70% of the country’s electricity comes from nuclear power plants. The issue? When demand is low, the grid produces more than needed. This surplus electricity is often sold at a loss or simply wasted. The far-right National Rally party wants to flip the script: instead of wasting nuclear power, use it to mine Bitcoin. They argue this approach could not only reduce the financial burden of nuclear operations but also create a stable, long-term source of public revenue.

Pilot Program: Mining Beside the Reactors A group of 76 lawmakers has already submitted a bill for a five-year national pilot program that would allow electricity producers to redirect surplus power to Bitcoin mining facilities — colocated directly next to nuclear plants. These centers would only operate during off-peak hours and automatically shut down when demand rises, ensuring grid stability. The proposal includes strict regulatory oversight, decreed by the French State Council. In addition to mining, the plan also outlines reusing the heat produced by mining rigs to fuel other industries, revitalizing abandoned infrastructure, and stimulating local economies. According to France’s Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN), just 1 gigawatt of surplus electricity could generate $100–150 million annually — enough to help offset France’s nuclear costs and generate new public income.

Global Trend: Bitcoin Mining as a Strategic Tool France isn’t alone in seeing Bitcoin mining as a tool for economic development and energy optimization. 🔹 Bhutan has quietly become one of the world’s biggest state-backed Bitcoin miners, producing over 11,400 BTC since 2020 — nearly 40% of its GDP.

🔹 Pakistan announced plans to redirect up to 2,000 megawatts of excess power to mining and AI data centers.

🔹 El Salvador mines Bitcoin using volcanic geothermal energy as part of its national Bitcoin strategy.

Bitcoin: Burden or Opportunity? Critics argue crypto mining is energy-intensive and unsustainable. Supporters see it differently: if powered by otherwise wasted electricity, it becomes a win-win solution. It could even strengthen France’s economic and digital sovereignty. It’s just a proposal for now — but the debate is heating up. And soon, France could become not just a nuclear powerhouse, but a leader in Europe’s digital mining revolution.

#bitcoin , #CryptoMining , #DigitalAssets , #France , #CryptoNews

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