- French lawmakers propose using surplus energy for Bitcoin mining in a five-year trial.
- The plan aims to reduce nuclear modulation losses and generate up to $150M yearly revenue.
- Mining centers would use clean energy and create jobs in abandoned industrial zones.
French lawmakers are making a fresh push to legalize Bitcoin mining using surplus electricity. Their aim is to solve a growing issue: energy waste. Each year, electricity producers in France are forced to sell excess energy at a loss. This often happens because of limited storage or grid imbalances.
To address this, lawmakers have submitted a bill proposing a five-year trial. It would allow energy producers to use surplus electricity to mine Bitcoin. The bill was filed in the National Assembly on July 11.
Mining Bitcoin with Unused Electricity
France produces more electricity than it consumes. This is primarily because of its huge nuclear power plant and growing renewable energy. However, solar and wind-generated electricity is intermittent. This brings periods of excess production, most especially during low demand. Nuclear plants must then reduce output to protect the grid, stressing infrastructure and losing potential profits.
The new proposal suggests using Bitcoin mining to absorb that extra energy. The mining farms would be set up close to energy production sites. Lawmakers suggest using old factories or abandoned facilities. This would limit transport costs and support local job creation.
Lawmakers argue this approach would boost the crypto sector and cut energy losses. They cite successful models in countries like Iceland, Sweden, and the U.S. These nations already use surplus electricity for crypto mining and capture waste heat for other uses.
The proposal says France could earn between $100 and $150 million per year by allocating one gigawatt of power to mining. These numbers come from the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN). The bill also highlights that mining computers produce heat, which can be reused. The heat could warm homes, greenhouses, or support industrial processes.
Proposal Faces Political Hurdles
This is not the first attempt to pass such a law. A similar amendment failed last month. It had aimed to classify Bitcoin mining as a tool to manage energy under a national energy bill. This new initiative comes from members of the far-right National Rally party. This could spark political clashes, as opponents may raise concerns about energy consumption and the far right’s ties to cryptocurrency.
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The bill suggests a trial period of five years. In this period, energy producers have an opportunity to sell the surplus energy to mining operators. These operators would be required to operate in energy-efficient machines and maintain a low level of emissions. The trial would be watched over by local and national authorities. It aims to test if Bitcoin mining can support the grid while staying eco-friendly. Lawmakers believe this strategy could help avoid energy waste and add economic value.
The government has not made a final decision. But it has said it will study the proposal. Officials stressed the need to explore creative ways to handle the electricity surplus. They also noted the importance of supporting emerging technologies. Supporters of the bill hope for an open, fact-based debate. If approved, the trial could start soon. For now, the future of the bill remains uncertain.
