Turn Wasted Electricity into a Bitcoin Mine

• French lawmakers have proposed using the country’s surplus electricity to power Bitcoin mining
• The plan aims to solve energy grid imbalances and could generate up to $150 million in annual revenue
• The innovative proposal also includes using waste heat from miners for industrial and agricultural purposes

In a bid to tackle recurring grid imbalances, French lawmakers have introduced a new legislative proposal to test the use of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining. 

The five-year experimental program, which was submitted to the National Assembly on July 11, aims to turn excess power that is often wasted, into a new source of economic value through regulated Bitcoin mining.

The Problem: Wasted Energy and a Stressed Grid

France’s energy producers, especially those reliant on nuclear and renewable sources, have long faced challenges with overproduction. 

During periods of low demand or high renewable energy output (e.g., on windy or sunny days), regulatory requirements often force the country’s nuclear facilities to reduce their output. This process places additional stress on the plant infrastructure and means valuable, clean energy is either wasted or sold off at a loss.

The Solution: Bitcoin Mining as a “Flexible Load”

To alleviate this pressure, lawmakers have proposed co-locating Bitcoin mining data centers near energy production sites. These data centers would be designed to operate flexibly, drawing power only during periods of excess supply. 

In doing so, they would act as a “buyer of last resort,” providing a real-time solution for balancing the grid without impacting regular energy consumption for homes and businesses.

Related: Basics of BTC Mining: Understanding the Process of Bitcoin Mining

A $150 Million Opportunity with Added Benefits

Citing figures from the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN), the proposal estimates that allocating just one gigawatt of this surplus energy to Bitcoin mining could produce between $100 million and $150 million in annual revenue. 

This revenue could help offset the high fixed costs of maintaining France’s nuclear power plants. The program would also support France’s broader goal of developing a controllable, carbon-free crypto-asset sector.

In addition to the revenue and grid optimization, the lawmakers highlighted another major benefit: waste heat recovery. The heat produced by the mining computers can be captured and redirected to support district heating systems, agricultural greenhouses, or other industrial applications.

Secondary Benefits Include Industrial Heat Recovery

The new legislation follows previous calls from French lawmakers urging the government to explore Bitcoin mining as a tool for managing the country’s energy surplus. 

Related: France to Investigate Binance Over Laundering Accusations

The proposed strategy seeks to turn an energy problem into a long-term industrial and economic opportunity.