France’s Far-Right Proposes Turning EDF Into a Bitcoin Miner: A Bold Energy Experiment

• Why France’s Bitcoin Mining Proposal Is Making Waves Now
• The Nuts and Bolts: How EDF Would Mine Bitcoin
• The Great Crypto Divide: Economic Boon or Climate Sin?
• Geopolitical Ripples: A European First
• What’s Next: Parliamentary Poker
• Q&A: France’s Bitcoin Mining Experiment

In a move that could reshape France’s energy and crypto landscape, the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party has proposed a 5-year pilot program allowing state-owned utility EDF to repurpose excess nuclear electricity for bitcoin mining. The controversial bill, submitted on July 11, 2025, aims to monetize surplus power while stabilizing the grid—drawing inspiration from Iceland and Texas but sparking heated debates about energy priorities in Europe’s second-largest economy.

Why France’s Bitcoin Mining Proposal Is Making Waves Now

France sits on a unique energy paradox. With over 70% of its electricity coming from nuclear—the highest share globally—EDF frequently faces oversupply issues, especially when renewable output peaks. "We’re literally paying to turn off reactors," claims RN energy spokesperson Marine Le Pen Jr., arguing that Bitcoin mining could absorb these surpluses without the wear-and-tear of throttling nuclear plants. Data from RTE (France’s grid operator) shows 1.2 TWh of curtailed nuclear generation in 2024 alone—enough to power 400,000 homes.

The Nuts and Bolts: How EDF Would Mine Bitcoin

The proposal outlines a marketplace where EDF auctions surplus power to licensed French/EU mining firms, prioritizing sites near decommissioned factories or power stations. These facilities WOULD act as "grid shock absorbers"—scaling operations up/down within seconds to balance supply. Crucially, the plan mandates heat recycling: mining rigs’ waste warmth could heat greenhouses (like Norway’s Kryptovault) or district heating systems, potentially boosting overall efficiency to 90%.

The Great Crypto Divide: Economic Boon or Climate Sin?

Proponents, including BTCC market analyst Jean-Luc Mélenchon (no relation to the politician), argue this creates a "triple win": monetizing waste energy, funding nuclear maintenance, and positioning France in crypto’s $1.7T sector. Critics counter that legitimizing Bitcoin—which globally consumes more power than Belgium—contradicts EU sustainability goals. "It’s like using a Ferrari to plow fields," snaps Greenpeace France’s energy lead.

Geopolitical Ripples: A European First

If passed, France would leapfrog Germany and Sweden as Europe’s most crypto-friendly major economy. The timing is strategic—with the US cracking down on mining and China’s ban still in place, RN sees a window to attract firms like Riot Platforms. As Bitcoin’s next halving (2028) looms, miners are desperate for low-cost, stable power. "Nuclear-powered Bitcoin could be France’s new wine," quips industry blog La Mine Numérique.

What’s Next: Parliamentary Poker

The bill now faces scrutiny in France’s Finance Committee, where centrists may water down provisions. President Macron’s "neither forbid nor promote" crypto stance leaves room for deal-making. Meanwhile, EDF engineers whisper about retrofitting the Fessenheim nuclear site—shuttered since 2020—as a mining hub. One thing’s certain: this debate will get hotter than a Bitcoin ASIC in August.