Bitcoin Mining in France: The RN’s EDF Nuclear Power Plan
📋 TL;DR
- The National Rally (RN) proposes transforming EDF into a Bitcoin miner to monetize surplus nuclear electricity
- 5-year pilot project filed on July 11, 2025, co-signed by 77 RN and UDR deputies
- Potential: $100-150 million per year in revenue, versus €80M in current losses
- If adopted, France would be the first EU country to officially integrate crypto mining into its energy strategy
The National Rally’s Legislative Proposal
On July 11, 2025, deputy Aurélien Lopez-Liguori (RN, Hérault) submitted a bold legislative proposal to the National Assembly: authorize EDF to use its surplus nuclear electricity to mine Bitcoin.
The bill, co-signed by 76 other RN and UDR (Union of Rights for the Republic) deputies, provides for a 5-year experiment allowing electricity producers to install mining farms on former industrial sites or near nuclear power plants.
Why France Has a Competitive Advantage
France possesses a unique asset in Europe: its massive nuclear fleet and largely decarbonized electricity production.
The Electricity Surplus Problem
- 70% of French electricity comes from nuclear power
- 338,202 GWh produced in 2023 – more than half of the EU’s nuclear output
- During off-peak hours (nights, weekends), supply regularly exceeds demand
- EDF is sometimes forced to sell at negative prices or reduce plant output
Current Losses
According to estimates, France lost approximately €80 million in 2024 due to these unmonetized surpluses. The integration of renewable energy (wind, solar) worsens the problem: their production peaks create additional imbalances on the grid.
How Would Nuclear Mining Work?
The project features several innovative characteristics:
Operational Flexibility
Mining farms would be designed to activate and deactivate within seconds, following electricity grid fluctuations:
- Electricity surplus → Full power mining
- Peak demand → Immediate shutdown, electricity redirected to the grid
This flexibility makes Bitcoin mining a grid balancing tool, absorbing excess rather than wasting it.
Waste Heat Recovery
Mining machines (ASICs) produce considerable heat. The project plans to recover this thermal energy to:
- Heat agricultural greenhouses
- Supply urban district heating networks
- Provide energy for industrial processes
This “dual use” significantly improves the overall energy efficiency of the operation.
Planned Capacity
The bill envisions dedicating up to 1 GW of capacity to Bitcoin mining. For comparison, this equals the output of a modern nuclear reactor.
Economic Projections
According to internal project estimates, Bitcoin mining with French nuclear electricity could generate:
- $100 to $150 million per year in revenue
- Creation of skilled technical jobs
- Development of a French industrial sector
- Reduction of losses from electricity surpluses
For Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, the opportunity is obvious: “a safe and extremely profitable solution” to monetize a currently wasted resource.
Political Context: A 180° Turn
This proposal marks a spectacular reversal of the National Rally’s position on cryptocurrencies.
From Ban to Support
In 2016, Marine Le Pen called for outright banning cryptocurrencies. Today, she publicly supports the project and promoted it during a visit to the Flamanville nuclear power plant on March 11, 2025.
This policy shift reflects a broader evolution: Bitcoin is increasingly perceived not as a speculative tool but as strategic infrastructure and an economic sovereignty tool.
Internal Divisions
Not all RN members are aligned. Jean-Philippe Tanguy, the party’s finance chief, opposes the project, arguing that Bitcoin undermines centralized monetary control – a traditional economic sovereignty position.
Opposition from the Left and Greens
Left-wing and Green parties firmly oppose the project, citing:
- Bitcoin mining’s environmental impact
- Using public resources for speculative activity
- Volatility risks from Bitcoin price-dependent revenues
Where Does the Legislative Process Stand?
After an initial failure in June 2025, the bill was reworked to emphasize benefits for national infrastructure and economic recovery.
Next steps:
- 6-month feasibility review by the Council of State
- Parliamentary committee debate
- Plenary vote (date not set)
- If adopted: launch of 5-year pilot
- Mid-term evaluation then expansion decision
France Facing International Competition
If the project succeeds, France would become the first European Union country to officially integrate Bitcoin mining into its national energy strategy.
International Precedents
- Pakistan (May 2025): 2,000 MW allocated to Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, using surplus from coal plants
- Iceland, Norway, Sweden: host mining farms powered by surplus hydroelectricity
- Texas (USA): global mining leader, thanks to its deregulated grid and wind surpluses
- El Salvador: geothermal volcanic mining (Volcano Bonds project)
France’s Edge
France would stand out through:
- Low-carbon electricity: nuclear emits very little CO2, unlike Pakistani coal
- Institutional stability: European regulatory framework (MiCA), rule of law
- Existing infrastructure: efficient power grid, skilled workforce
Impact on Bitcoin Mining in France
Currently, industrial-scale Bitcoin mining in France is virtually nonexistent, mainly due to high electricity costs for individuals and businesses (around €0.20-0.25/kWh).
The bill would change this by allowing miners to access electricity at marginal production cost, potentially below €0.05/kWh during surplus hours.
For reference, the Bitcoin mining break-even point in 2026 typically sits around $0.06-0.07/kWh with modern equipment (15-16 J/TH).
FAQ: Nuclear Bitcoin Mining in France
When could the project be implemented?
If the bill passes, a 6-month feasibility review by the Council of State would precede the pilot launch. At earliest, initial operations could begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Would EDF mine Bitcoin directly?
Not necessarily. The bill allows EDF to sell its surpluses to specialized French companies, which would install and operate mining farms. EDF could also create a dedicated subsidiary or partner with existing players.
Is Bitcoin mining polluting?
Mining’s environmental impact depends on the electricity source. With French nuclear (very low carbon) and monetizing surpluses that would otherwise be wasted, the footprint would be minimal. Heat recovery for heating further improves the balance.
What happens if Bitcoin’s price crashes?
This is a real risk. However, mining’s flexibility (instant shutdown capability) limits exposure. Additionally, the electricity used would be wasted anyway without mining. In case of very low prices, farms would simply be paused.
Will individuals be able to mine with nuclear electricity?
The project targets large-scale industrial operations, not individuals. Preferential rates would be reserved for companies installing significant infrastructure near power plants or on converted industrial sites.
What are the chances of the bill passing?
Hard to predict. The RN and UDR lack an absolute majority. Adoption will depend on their ability to convince other parliamentary groups of the economic benefits and environmental neutrality of the project.
Sources
- Carbon Credits – France Eyes Bitcoin Mining Powered by Surplus Nuclear Energy
- Cointelegraph – France’s RN Party Pushes Bitcoin Mining With Nuclear Power Surplus
- Cryptoast – 77 députés présentent un projet de loi sur le minage Bitcoin
- Coin Academy – Miner du Bitcoin avec le nucléaire : la France entre dans l’arène
- Assemblée Nationale – Proposition de loi n°1750
- Bitcoin.fr – Une proposition de loi favorable au minage de Bitcoin
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The status of this legislative proposal may evolve. Follow parliamentary news for updates.
