French legislators have put forward a plan for a five-year pilot program to utilize excess power for Bitcoin mining activities.
Officially introduced on July 11, the proposal aims to enhance France’s energy network efficiency while exploring economic opportunities within the cryptocurrency sector.
The initiative suggests that mining could help stabilize the national grid during times of excess energy production.
Harnessing Excess Energy for Economic Gain
The legislation focuses on using controllable, carbon-neutral electricity from nuclear and renewable sources. Lawmakers point out that surplus power often goes unused due to storage limitations and existing rules that require nuclear facilities to cut output when renewable energy is abundant.
They propose that redirecting this extra energy to Bitcoin mining could reduce financial losses for energy producers and lessen the burden on nuclear plants from frequent power adjustments.
The proposal includes developing data centers near energy sites, like closed factories or industrial areas, to make efficient use of surplus electricity for mining.
The decentralized approach is intended to localize mining demand, easing the pressure on the national grid.
Lawmakers assure that these facilities would not compete with existing energy needs, instead acting as a flexible reserve activated only when there is an energy surplus.
According to data from the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN), allocating just one gigawatt to mining could generate between $100 million and $150 million per year.
This revenue stream would offer energy producers a fresh monetization avenue and potentially make France a key player in the global crypto market.
Additionally, the proposal notes that the heat produced by mining equipment could be captured and utilized for practical purposes, such as heating homes, greenhouses, or supporting industrial operations.
Adopting Energy Efficiency from Nordic Models
The proposal points to successful energy-reuse strategies in Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, where mining uses geothermal or hydroelectric power and channels excess heat into local systems.
French lawmakers believe adopting such models could align with national environmental and economic targets. By situating mining operations near energy centers and repurposing waste heat, France could boost energy efficiency while fostering technological progress.
Although the proposal is still pending legal approval, it signifies a growing recognition of Bitcoin mining as a potential tool for managing energy grids and driving economic growth.
If implemented, France’s pilot project could serve as a case study for integrating surplus energy into blockchain systems without interfering with traditional power requirements. Further updates are anticipated as the proposal progresses through legislative channels.
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