On July 11, French lawmakers introduced the bill to the Parliament, which runs for five years to Bitcoin, primarily from nuclear and renewable sources, with the aim of using excess energy.
France produces more energy than it can be used, especially when off-peak hours and when renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are producing more than necessary. Store this excess energy is hard and expensive, so producers are forced to eliminate it.
In 2024, France lost around 80 million euros due to negative electricity prices. In March 2025, French grid operators had to pay nearly 12,000 euros per megawatt hour to remove excess energy.
This new proposal suggests a better way to use that power, which turns losses into profits.
“Electric producers are often forced to sell over-production energy at loss due to lack of storage, which constitutes “unacceptable economic and energy losses.” ” The proposal says.
Bitcoin mining, where special computers compete to find the next block, helps to run and protect the Bitcoin blockchain and rewards miners with digital currency. It uses a lot of energy and has raised environmental concerns in the past.
Related: Bitcoin Mining Clean Energy and Grid Balance | ERCOT Research
France now wants to turn the script over. By using clean, carbon-free nuclear power, the country wants to become the world leader in sustainable Bitcoin mining.
With this idea, lawmakers are trying to turn the issue into opportunities.
According to the bill, one gigawatt of excess energy could generate between $100 million and $150 million a year. The data comes from the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN).
This revenue supports nuclear infrastructure and allows new industries to be created around Bitcoin. Lawmakers also believe that the grid can be stabilized and wear on nuclear power plants can be reduced. This is not designed to constantly adjust production volume.
Bitcoin is the perfect solution. Bitcoin mining farms that can be designed and deployed in any size can be turned off or turned on with the flip of the switch. This creates the ideal tool to manage power usage in the power grid.
The plan is to build a data center near the power plant, particularly on abandoned or unused industrial sites. This keeps mining operations close to the energy source and does not overload existing grids.
By placing mineral farms in old factories and unused buildings, the project also helps local development and industrialization.
Bitcoin mining machines produce a lot of heat. That heat is usually wasted. But French lawmakers want to capture it and reuse it to heat a home, greenhouse or industrial building.
This is more than just a theory. Similar projects have already been carried out in Finland, Norway and Sweden. In Finland, one 2 megawatt mining farm offers heat for 11,000 homes. In Norway, excessive heat is used to dry wood and to dry warm farmed greenhouses.
The idea has support, but it’s not without controversy.
Even if you use clean power, some people are worried about the energy consumption of Bitcoin mining. Others are skeptical as the bill comes from members of the National Rally Party, a far-right political group.
In June 2025, Congressional rules rejected a similar amendment. Now, new proposals need to pass more political tests.
Still, Clara Chappaz, French Minister of Digital Affairs, shows openness. “We have to look into this without ideology and ask the right questions.” She said.
