France considers harnessing excess nuclear power for Bitcoin mining operations
France is set to pioneer a unique approach in the energy sector, considering a five-year pilot program that aims to use surplus nuclear energy from its state-owned utility, Électricité de France (EDF), for Bitcoin mining. This innovative initiative, backed by the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, could make France the first EU country to formally integrate crypto mining into its energy strategy.
The pilot program is designed to harness excess nuclear power generated during low-demand periods, such as nighttime, that would otherwise go to waste. By powering Bitcoin mining operations, this surplus energy could potentially generate $100–150 million annually. Moreover, the plan includes heat reuse systems that will capture waste heat from mining rigs and use it to warm homes, greenhouses, or industrial facilities, further enhancing energy efficiency.
France's strong nuclear energy position, as the EU's top nuclear producer with over 70% of its electricity coming from nuclear power, makes it an ideal candidate for such an initiative. The country often sells extra power at negative prices or even pays nearby countries to take this power during low-demand periods, leading to losses of hundreds of millions. This pilot program would allow mining only when excess nuclear output is available, turning "waste to wealth" by monetizing unused capacity without increasing overall electricity demand.
However, the proposal faces opposition from left and green parties due to Bitcoin's intensive energy use. Critics voice concerns about environmental impact, crypto market volatility, and the political implications of promoting Bitcoin mining. The initiative is still at the legislative stage, with success depending on regulatory frameworks that balance innovation, environmental stewardship, and industrial collaboration between EDF and crypto firms.
If approved, this move would position France uniquely by marrying nuclear energy production with the digital economy and crypto sectors. It could help maintain France's leadership in nuclear power by providing new revenue streams and improving energy utilization. The pilot program could also redefine France's energy strategy toward circular use of nuclear energy and digital asset production, potentially influencing broader EU energy and digital economy policies.
In the global context, Bitcoin mining is estimated to consume 176-180 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, making it energy-intensive. However, studies suggest that Bitcoin mining could cut waste and help the grid stay flexible. In South Korea, surplus electricity from Bitcoin mining could be a new revenue stream for the power utility while stabilizing the grid. Academic models even propose a zero-emissions energy system that combines nuclear power with crypto-mining.
As of May 2025, the Bitcoin network's computing power, or hashrate, exceeded 831 exahashes per second (EH/s). The share of nuclear energy in Bitcoin's electricity supply has roughly doubled from 4% in 2021 to over 11%. Bitcoin mining offers a way to monetize this surplus and ease grid stress. Pairing Bitcoin mining with nuclear energy offers a compelling value proposition, diversifying utility income.
In summary, France's ongoing plan to use surplus nuclear power for Bitcoin mining is an innovative pilot that could redefine its energy strategy toward circular use of nuclear energy and digital asset production, potentially influencing broader EU energy and digital economy policies. The initiative's success will depend on a balanced regulatory framework that considers innovation, environmental stewardship, and industrial collaboration.
- Under the proposed five-year pilot program, France aims to utilize surplus nuclear energy from Électricité de France (EDF) for Bitcoin mining, potentially generating annual revenue of $100–150 million.
- The initiative also incorporates heat reuse systems, capturing waste heat from mining rigs to warm homes, greenhouses, or industrial facilities, further boosting energy efficiency.
- Given France's strong nuclear energy position as the EU's top nuclear producer, this pilot program could present a unique opportunity to marry nuclear energy production with the digital economy and crypto sectors.
- Critics, however, oppose the proposal due to environmental concerns, crypto market volatility, and political implications, with the success of the initiative depending on a balanced regulatory framework.
- If successful, this move could help France maintain its leadership in nuclear power by providing new revenue streams and improving energy utilization, potentially influencing EU energy and digital economy policies.
