French lawmakers are pioneering a groundbreaking approach to energy management by proposing Bitcoin mining as a solution to the country’s chronic electricity surplus problem.
Amendment No. 547, submitted to the National Assembly on June 12, outlines an ambitious strategy to convert nearly €80 million in annual wasted energy into productive economic value through strategic cryptocurrency mining operations.
This innovative proposal positions France at the forefront of a global movement recognizing Bitcoin mining not as an environmental burden, but as a sophisticated grid-balancing tool. The initiative comes as France grapples with the inherent challenge of nuclear energy production: consistent output that frequently exceeds domestic demand, resulting in substantial economic losses.
France’s nuclear dominance, providing over 70% of the nation’s electricity, has established the country as a clean energy leader. However, this reliable yet inflexible energy source creates persistent overproduction scenarios.
Bitcoin Mining Deployment
The comprehensive strategy outlined in Amendment No. 547 envisions multiple deployment scenarios designed to maximize both energy efficiency and economic benefit. Primary among these is positioning Bitcoin mining farms directly adjacent to power stations, enabling immediate absorption of excess generation while minimizing transmission losses.
This approach would significantly reduce operational stress on nuclear reactors by eliminating the constant need for output modulation—a process that increases maintenance costs and reduces equipment lifespan. By providing consistent demand for surplus energy, mining operations could help nuclear facilities operate at optimal efficiency levels while extending their operational lifespans.
The proposal also addresses regional economic revitalization by transforming abandoned industrial sites into modern mining centers. This strategy would breathe new life into underutilized areas while creating employment opportunities in emerging technology sectors.
Lawmakers stress that establishing a regulated, low-carbon Bitcoin mining sector would complement rather than compromise France’s ambitious decarbonization goals. The controlled integration of mining operations into the national energy infrastructure could support France’s pursuit of energy sovereignty while fostering technological innovation and creating sustainable green jobs.
Mining As Energy Infrastructure
France’s forward-thinking approach reflects a broader international trend of nations reconceptualizing Bitcoin mining as strategic energy infrastructure rather than mere energy consumption. Belarus recently initiated comprehensive studies on utilizing Bitcoin mining to absorb excess power generation, while Pakistan has allocated 2,000 megawatts specifically for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers.
The state of Texas has emerged as a prominent example of successful bitcoin mining integration, using cryptocurrency operations to stabilize its wind-heavy electrical grid. These controllable energy demands provide essential flexibility that modern renewable energy systems require to maintain stability and affordability.
This paradigm shift demonstrates how countries are evolving from viewing Bitcoin mining as an energy liability to recognizing it as a crucial infrastructure-level energy asset. France’s proposal could establish a template for other nations seeking to optimize their energy systems while embracing digital economy innovations, potentially transforming global approaches to energy waste and grid management.