France’s Rassemblement National (RN) is eyeing an unconventional way to boost both energy efficiency and digital asset production: using excess power from nuclear plants to mine Bitcoin.
The plan, championed by RN lawmaker Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, proposes installing mining infrastructure at facilities operated by state-owned energy giant EDF. By tapping electricity that would otherwise go unused, the party believes France could transform wasted capacity into a steady stream of revenue from Bitcoin production.
RN leader Marine Le Pen has reportedly warmed to the concept, presenting it during a visit to the Flamanville nuclear plant earlier this year. This marks a striking departure from her past — in 2016, she was calling for a national ban on cryptocurrencies, warning that digitized money could erode public control over the monetary system.
The shift reflects a broader rethinking within RN, though not without friction. While some members see Bitcoin as a tool for economic sovereignty, others remain committed to centralized monetary policy. That tension leaves the party balancing ideological divides while pursuing legislation that appeals to pro-business and crypto-friendly advocates.
Outside RN, skepticism persists. Left-leaning lawmakers continue to criticize Bitcoin mining for its environmental footprint and its links to illicit finance. Yet RN’s move has positioned it as one of France’s most active voices on crypto policy, attracting interest from industry lobbyists eager for political allies.
If the proposal gains traction, France could become a rare example of a European nation channeling nuclear power’s surplus directly into digital asset creation — blending energy policy, economic strategy, and the politics of decentralization.
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Source: https://coindoo.com/french-political-party-sees-bitcoin-mining-opportunity-in-nuclear-power-surplus/