The French National Rally (RN) party suggests utilizing surplus nuclear energy for bitcoin mining, which could lead to significant economic advantages.
Plans to Utilize Surplus Energy
The plan, championed by RN lawmaker Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, proposes installing mining infrastructure at facilities operated by the state-owned energy giant EDF. The party believes that by tapping electricity that would otherwise go unused, France could transform wasted capacity into a steady stream of revenue from bitcoin production.
Shifting Position of the RN Party
RN leader Marine Le Pen has reportedly warmed to the concept, presenting it during a visit to the Flamanville nuclear plant earlier this year. This marks a striking departure from her past — in 2016, she was calling for a national ban on cryptocurrencies, warning that digitized money could erode public control over the monetary system.
Criticism and Support for the Initiative
Skepticism persists outside the RN. Left-leaning lawmakers continue to criticize bitcoin mining for its environmental footprint and its links to illicit finance. However, RN’s move has positioned it as one of France’s most active voices on crypto policy, attracting interest from industry lobbyists eager for political allies.
If the proposal gains traction, France could become a rare example of a European nation channeling nuclear power’s surplus directly into digital asset creation, blending energy policy, economic strategy, and the politics of decentralization.
