Amid increasing Bitcoin mining facilities, France is set to implement a possible five‑year experiment plan that allows electricity producers to use surplus power for Bitcoin mining. The move aims to stabilize the power grid and turn wasted energy in the region into value.
The experiment, outlined in a bill submitted on July 11, targets excess electricity from nuclear and renewable sources. It seeks to end loss-making power sales and better manage supply swings in nuclear plants.
The bill states that the goal is to contribute to the stability of the power grid, enhance the value of surplus production, and reduce the modulation cycles of nuclear power plants.
According to Article I of the bill, producers can direct surplus power to firms based in France or the EU for crypto mining. Article III allows recovery of waste heat and use of old industrial sites.
Lawmakers say mining rigs can operate flexibly, switching on when energy is available without affecting consumer supply. The proposal adds that recovered heat can warm homes, greenhouses, or help industry. Should the experiment proceed, new mining centres could be located at disused industrial sites or near power plants.
As outlined in Article III of the bill, “This experiment may include heat recovery systems and be part of the conversion of existing industrial sites.”
The bill also notes that allocating just one gigawatt of power to mining could generate $100–150 million in annual revenues. Supporters point to successful models in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Texas, and Belarus.
Implementation details would be set by official decree under guidance from the Council of State. A full report must be delivered to Parliament six months after the five‑year trial ends.
Critics, however, warn of environmental risks and the chance that mining would become a burden should grid integration fail. Some also noted the need for strong oversight to prevent potential misuse of energy resources.