A group of lawmakers in France is pushing for a national review on how Bitcoin mining can help tackle the country’s surplus in electricity production. The proposal, submitted to the French National Assembly, aims to explore whether Bitcoin mining could be a solution to absorb excess power, particularly from the nuclear plants that supply most of France’s electricity.
France heavily relies on nuclear energy, which accounts for over 70% of its power generation. While this positions the country as a leader in clean energy, it also leads to frequent overproduction. According to Raphaël Bloch, co-founder of The Big Whale, France lost nearly €80 million in 2024 due to wasted electricity.
The lawmakers argue that Bitcoin mining could have converted this surplus into economic value. They propose conducting an official report to evaluate the feasibility of integrating Bitcoin mining into the national energy system. Bitcoin mining facilities are seen as flexible energy consumers that can quickly adjust their operations, be located near power stations, and scale without disrupting the grid.
By incorporating Bitcoin mining into the energy system, the lawmakers believe it could stabilize energy markets and reduce the strain on nuclear plants by minimizing the need for constant power output adjustments. Furthermore, they suggest repurposing old industrial sites as mining centers and utilizing excess heat generated from mining for nearby cities or industries.
The lawmakers also advocate for establishing a regulated, low-carbon Bitcoin mining sector in France. They believe this initiative would align with the country’s decarbonization objectives, foster innovation, and create job opportunities.
France’s interest in Bitcoin mining mirrors a global trend of countries recognizing BTC mining as a strategic tool to balance energy supply, minimize waste, and promote innovation in the digital economy. Belarus and Pakistan have also explored Bitcoin mining as a means to consume surplus power and allocate electricity to mining and AI data centers, respectively.
Bitcoin mining researcher Daniel Batten emphasizes the unique energy consumption of Bitcoin mining in ensuring energy affordability and abundance. These efforts underscore the growing importance of integrating Bitcoin mining into national energy strategies to optimize resources and drive economic growth.