France Eyes Bitcoin Mining to Solve Surplus Energy Challenges

French lawmakers have introduced a groundbreaking proposal that would turn excess electricity from energy producers into a valuable digital asset—Bitcoin.

The draft bill, submitted on July 11, outlines a five-year pilot program to use surplus energy for mining operations, with the goal of improving grid resilience and reducing economic waste.

Turning surplus electricity into economic value

The proposal stems from a recurring issue in the French energy sector: producers frequently generate more electricity than the grid can absorb, especially during peak renewable output. With limited storage options, this excess power is often sold at a loss. The new plan envisions using that electricity to power Bitcoin mining facilities, converting what was once an energy liability into a revenue-generating opportunity. Lawmakers estimate that dedicating 1 gigawatt of unused electricity to mining could produce between $100 million and $150 million annually.

Reviving abandoned infrastructure with localized data centers

Rather than building new facilities, the plan would prioritize retrofitting existing or decommissioned industrial buildings near power plants to host mining equipment. This approach would minimize infrastructure strain and localize demand near production, reducing transmission losses. By pairing mining with a carbon-free energy mix, France could position itself as a leader in sustainable crypto mining.

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Recycling mining heat for industry and agriculture

Beyond financial gains, the proposal highlights an overlooked benefit of mining: heat recovery. Mining hardware emits significant heat, which could be captured using exchangers to warm buildings, greenhouses, or support industrial needs. Lawmakers pointed to Nordic countries like Iceland and Norway, where similar systems are already in place, as proof of concept for this efficient energy recycling strategy.

Kosta Gushterov

Kosta has been working in the crypto industry for over 4 years. He strives to present different perspectives on a given topic and enjoys the sector for its transparency and dynamism. In his work, he focuses on balanced coverage of events and developments in the crypto space, providing information to his readers from a neutral perspective.