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France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, has proposed a bold bill to mine Bitcoin using surplus nuclear energy, marking a sharp reversal from its 2016 anti-crypto stance. Announced on August 4, 2025, the plan, spearheaded by MP Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, aims to launch a five-year pilot at Électricité de France (EDF) nuclear plants like Flamanville. France, generating 70% of its electricity from nuclear power, often faces surplus energy during low-demand periods, which is sold at a loss or wasted, costing €80 million in 2024.
The RN’s initiative seeks to transform this excess into Bitcoin, potentially yielding $100–150 million annually per gigawatt, per industry estimates. The proposal includes co-locating mining rigs at nuclear facilities, with operations halting during peak demand to ensure grid stability. Additional benefits include repurposing mining heat for local heating and job creation in rural areas. Le Pen, who once called cryptocurrencies tools of elites, now frames Bitcoin mining as a path to financial sovereignty and reindustrialization.
Critics, including Green Party members, argue it contradicts environmental goals and risks speculative finance, while RN’s Jean-Philippe Tanguy warns against undermining state monetary control. A similar proposal failed in June 2025 due to procedural issues, signaling potential legislative hurdles. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some praising the innovative energy use and others questioning its feasibility.
If passed, France could lead Europe in state-backed Bitcoin mining, following El Salvador and Bhutan. The move aligns with global trends leveraging clean energy for crypto, but its success hinges on navigating regulatory and political challenges.
