France Slams the Door on Bitcoin Mining: National Assembly Kills Key Amendment

French lawmakers just delivered a blow to crypto miners—voting down a proposal that could've positioned the country as a Bitcoin hub. Here's why it matters.

The Backroom Battle

Behind closed doors, energy lobbyists and crypto advocates clashed over France's energy future. The amendment? A carve-out for renewable-powered mining operations.

Green Dreams vs. Grid Realities

Proponents pitched it as a win-win: stranded hydropower could fuel zero-emission mining. Critics called it a Trojan horse—with one finance minister quipping, 'Next they'll want tax breaks for their Lambo fleets.'

What's Next for French Crypto?

With this door closed, miners eye Scandinavia and Texas. Meanwhile, Parisian crypto VCs are left holding the bag—their 'European Web3 capital' dreams looking shakier than a stablecoin's peg.

• French lawmakers rejected a proposal to study Bitcoin mining with surplus nuclear energy.
• The Assembly cited procedural grounds under Article 98 to block the Bitcoin mining amendment.
• France’s move prevents it from joining El Salvador and Bhutan in national Bitcoin mining strategies.

The French National Assembly has rejected a proposal to debate the potential of Bitcoin mining as a way to use surplus electricity. Halting the discussion challenges what would have positioned France among the nations exploring state-backed bitcoin mining strategies. The amendment was rejected by lawmakers based on a point of procedure, citing Article 98 of parliamentary rules. 

Lawmakers Halt Discussion on Bitcoin Mining

This week, the French National Assembly decided not to discuss a proposal that sought to study bitcoin mining as a state activity. The amendment, introduced earlier in June, called for a detailed assessment of how bitcoin mining could help utilize France’s excess electricity production, especially from the country’s significant nuclear output. The decision highlights ongoing debate about digital finance innovation and energy policy in France.

The proposal suggested that BTC mining WOULD be a step towards stabilizing the network and optimizing nuclear energy operations. It claimed that mines, if located close to power plants, could absorb surplus power, revive dormant industrial areas, and allow low-carbon heating for urban or industrial purposes.

Even after these arguments, the assembly did not consider the amendment’s merits. Instead, authorities ruled that it was inadmissible while citing Article 98 of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.

Rejection Based on Procedure, Not Content

Notably, the amendment was blocked on procedural grounds and not on its content. According to local media, it is possible that this proposal fell under the category of a legislative rider, i.e., an attachment with no direct connection to the bill under consideration. These rejections are typical of parliamentary procedures and give legislators the opportunity to reintroduce the subjects should they choose to do so using a formal legislative channel.

Moreover, French analysts have suggested that the proposal may be presented in the future if the language and format are more suitable for legislative needs. The development implies that France will not, at least at this period, follow in the footsteps of other nations like Bhutan and El Salvador, which have adopted bitcoin mining into their national energy plans.

Cautious Approach to Bitcoin Mining Remains

The French government officials have been relatively cautious in their approach to bitcoin mining, citing the sector’s high energy consumption and environmental risk. These considerations have overshadowed possible advantages, including using surplus renewable or nuclear energy for regulated digital asset production.

Industry analysts view the rejection as an opportunity that France is missing to harness excess energy and participate in the larger digital asset economy. According to Alex Stanczyk, the Managing Director at Swan Private Wealth, the nations adopting bitcoin would be able to achieve a competitive edge in the evolving financial landscape.

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