TBW - Marine Le Pen proposes mining Bitcoin with surplus nuclear power stations
During a visit to the Flamanville EPR, Marine Le Pen put forward a bold proposal on Tuesday: to exploit surplus production from French nuclear power stations to mine Bitcoin. According to the leader of the Rassemblement National, this initiative would make it possible to "build up strategic reserves for EDF that will help finance the maintenance and renovation of reactors".
This statement comes against an international backdrop in which Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a strategic tool for governments. Last week, US President Donald Trump announced the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve in the United States(made up solely of criminal seizures), marking a further step in the institutional recognition of the cryptocurrency.
It is currently valued at $1,450 billion, representing 62% of the entire industry.
Historically, the idea of monetary sovereignty via Bitcoin has mainly been driven by far-right or radical right-wing movements, which see the cryptocurrency as a way of escaping the control of central banks.
But this momentum is beginning to broaden: on the left, former President François Hollande recently received French representatives from the Bitcoin sector, a sign of growing interest across traditional political divides. According to our information, other left-wing currents are interested, particularly in talking to a young and active electorate.
Why do Bitcoin and nuclear power go well together?
Bitcoin mining relies on intensive energy consumption, something that is often criticised. But in the case of nuclear power, this criticism is transformed into an opportunity. Power stations regularly produce surpluses of electricity, particularly at night when demand is lower. Today, these surpluses are difficult to value and can even lead to grid regulation costs.
Bitcoin mining would offer a pragmatic solution: using this otherwise wasted energy to generate a reserve of strategic assets, at no extra cost to taxpayers. Unlike other energy-intensive industries, mining is flexible and can adapt in seconds to the availability of electricity, optimising the use of France's nuclear fleet.
If Marine Le Pen's idea were to be taken seriously, it would mark a turning point in the relationship between the French state and Bitcoin. Until now, France has been cautious about cryptocurrencies, favouring strict regulation. But the growing international recognition of Bitcoin as a strategic asset could change that.
By integrating Bitcoin into its energy strategy, France could position itself at the forefront of a new digital and monetary economy, while strengthening the sovereignty of its nuclear fleet. It remains to be seen whether this proposal will find a favourable echo within the institutions and the energy sector.
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