French lawmakers on July 11 introduced a bill in the National Assembly to launch a five‑year pilot program that would let electricity producers channel surplus power into Bitcoin mining operations.
The plan seeks to use energy that is otherwise sold at a loss or wasted during low demand. It would place mining centres near power plants across France.
The goal is to boost national revenue by as much as $150 million a year and strengthen the country’s role in the crypto ecosystem.
Pilot Program for Energy Use
Under the proposal, power generators could redirect unneeded output to computing rigs when grid demand is low. Lawmakers say this would end the “unacceptable economic and energy loss” from selling overproduced electricity at a loss.
They also note that nuclear plants must modulate output to balance renewable generation, which can strain their infrastructure. Mining would turn that excess power into value without affecting the supply to homes and businesses.
The legislation emphasises that France could significantly enhance its presence in the cryptocurrency sector if it utilises a managed, carbon-neutral electricity mix.
By integrating clean energy with mining, the initiative seeks to mitigate emissions. Proponents claim it would increase revenue opportunities while maintaining a capped fossil fuel commitment.
Based on projections of $100 million to $150 million in annual revenue for every gigawatt, the proposal seems to be quite profitable.
Infrastructure and Location
To keep costs down, data centres would use existing or decommissioned sites. Lawmakers point to old factories and closed power plants as ideal locations.
Also Read: Crypto.com Web Launches in France, Offering Desktop Access to Users
This approach would cut the need for new construction and tap into already‑available grid connections. It also means mining rigs could be sited close to energy sources, reducing transmission losses.
The proposal favours co‑location with nuclear facilities. Mining operations would switch on only during periods of overproduction. This setup offers a real‑time and flexible tool for grid balancing.
It uses surplus output rather than diverting power from consumers. Regulators believe it can ease the burden on plants that must adjust output to match renewables.
Heat Reuse Cases
Beyond revenue, the plan underlines heat recovery as a bonus. Mining computers generate significant warmth. That waste heat could feed district heating, greenhouses or industrial processes.
Finnish projects already use Bitcoin mining heat to warm buildings and grow produce. French lawmakers say a similar model could boost local economies and cut heating costs.
In related news, Societe Generale‑Forge, the digital asset arm of Societe Generale bank, announced USD CoinVertible (USDCV).
The new stablecoin will track the U.S. dollar and run on Ethereum and Solana blockchains. It aims to offer efficient, institutional‑grade transactions with high interoperability.
Next Steps and Outlook
If approved, the pilot would roll out in stages across France’s power sites. Regulators and operators would set parameters for licensing, safety and compliance.
The scheme could pave the way for broader use of digital assets in France’s energy and industrial sectors.
Also Read: French Bank Bpifrance Launches €25M Crypto Fund to Back French Blockchain Projects