French legislators have introduced a groundbreaking bill to integrate Bitcoin mining into the national energy strategy, aiming to repurpose excess nuclear-generated electricity. Submitted on July 11, 2025, and now under review in the National Assembly, the proposal authorizes a five-year trial allowing energy producers to divert surplus power—primarily from France’s nuclear infrastructure—to cryptocurrency mining operations.
Operational Framework and Compliance Requirements
The legislation mandates that mining facilities:
- Be constructed near power generation sites or within repurposed industrial zones to prevent competition with residential/industrial energy demand.
- Implement heat-exchange systems to capture and repurpose mining byproduct heat for building warmth or industrial processes, mirroring successful models in Iceland and Scandinavia.
- Undergo strict siting and efficiency reviews to ensure zero impact on public energy access.
Industry Implications
This pilot represents a strategic shift toward formalizing cryptocurrency mining within national infrastructure:
- Economic Optimization: Energy producers could monetize surplus electricity currently sold at a loss, generating new revenue streams while reducing waste.
- Grid Management: By absorbing excess power during renewable fluctuations (e.g., solar/wind peaks), mining stabilizes nuclear output demands.
- Global Precedent: France would become the first country to legislatively integrate Bitcoin mining into energy policy, potentially inspiring similar approaches in other nuclear-dependent nations.
Regulatory Context
Lawmakers explicitly frame the bill as a solution to “unacceptable economic and energy loss,” emphasizing compliance with France’s broader decarbonization goals through waste reduction. No public statements from energy regulators are yet available, but the proposal’s alignment with existing heat-reuse practices in Northern Europe suggests practical feasibility.
“Bitcoin mining can transform excess energy from a liability into an asset—this trial could redefine how nations approach both cryptocurrency and energy sustainability,” noted the bill’s sponsors. If approved, regulatory details and operational guidelines are expected within six months.
