The initiative is designed to address France’s recurring issue of energy overproduction. Currently, electricity producers are often forced to sell surplus energy at a loss due to limited storage capabilities. “Electricity producers are often compelled to sell overproduced energy at a loss due to a lack of storage, which constitutes an ‘unacceptable economic and energy loss,’” the proposal stated. 

By redirecting this energy toward Bitcoin mining, lawmakers believe France can improve grid stability, reduce the strain on nuclear plant infrastructure, and boost national revenue. The bill argues that reducing the need to modulate nuclear power plants based on renewable output would preserve infrastructure and improve long-term efficiency. 

“By developing a French mining sector with a controllable and carbon-free electricity mix, France could establish itself as a major player in the cryptoasset ecosystem,” the proposal said.

The plan includes building data centers near energy production sites, especially in abandoned factories or other underutilized facilities. This would avoid placing strain on existing power infrastructure while bringing new life to dormant industrial zones. 

“In short, Bitcoin mining is an innovative use, capable of converting a problem (unused surplus) into an economic opportunity,” the proposal concluded. 

Citing data from the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN), lawmakers estimate that allocating just one gigawatt of surplus power to mining could generate between $100 million and $150 million in annual revenue. 

Beyond financial returns, the proposal highlights an often-overlooked benefit: waste heat recovery. “Another advantage of Bitcoin mining is the production of heat, generally considered waste, which can be recovered,” it noted. “Mining computers in fact release considerable heat, which can be captured via heat exchangers to heat buildings, agricultural greenhouses or power industrial processes.” 

This approach, already used in Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, demonstrates the technical feasibility and potential environmental benefits of the strategy, the lawmakers concluded.