The Rassemblement National (RN) party in France is reportedly advancing a plan to leverage the nation’s surplus nuclear energy for Bitcoin mining, marking a notable policy reversal for the party’s leader, Marine Le Pen. The initiative, spearheaded by RN lawmaker Aurélien Lopez-Liguori, aims to convert otherwise wasted electricity into “secure and extremely profitable” digital assets, with a bill already drafted to facilitate the installation of mining infrastructure at state-controlled Électricité de France (EDF) facilities.
Monetizing Surplus Nuclear Power
France, a nation heavily reliant on nuclear power for its electricity generation, frequently produces more energy than it consumes, especially during off-peak hours. This surplus energy often results in financial losses, with an estimated €80 million lost in 2024 alone due to unsold or discounted excess power. The RN’s proposal seeks to address this economic inefficiency by redirecting this unused nuclear capacity towards energy-intensive Bitcoin mining.
The plan outlines a five-year pilot program to deploy high-performance computing units at EDF-managed nuclear facilities across the country. Proponents argue that utilizing just one gigawatt of surplus nuclear power could generate between $100 million and $150 million annually in Bitcoin revenue. This strategy is framed as a means to monetize lost electricity, reinforce monetary sovereignty, and diversify France’s energy strategy by creating state-held digital reserves.
A Significant Policy Shift for the RN
The advocacy for Bitcoin mining with nuclear energy represents a dramatic shift in the Rassemblement National’s stance on cryptocurrencies. In 2016, Marine Le Pen, the party leader and three-time presidential candidate, had called for a complete ban on digital currencies in France, expressing concerns about monetary sovereignty and the potential loss of individual control over money.
However, Le Pen announced her support for the Bitcoin mining initiative during a visit to the Flamanville nuclear plant on March 11. The party now views Bitcoin as a tool for economic independence and a way to utilize an untapped national resource. This pivot reflects a broader momentum within the RN to embrace digital assets as a component of national economic strategy.
Legislative Efforts and Internal Dynamics
RN lawmaker Aurélien Lopez-Liguori has been instrumental in advancing the proposal, drafting a bill that was submitted to the French National Assembly on July 11, 2025. Lopez-Liguori emphasizes that the move is about maximizing resources and reducing waste, while also enhancing France’s economic resilience and optimizing its energy infrastructure. The bill also aims to create jobs and attract investment in rural areas near nuclear plants.
Despite the party’s newfound pro-crypto stance, some internal ideological disputes persist. Jean-Philippe Tanguy, the RN’s finance lead, has reportedly voiced opinions that contradict the ethos of currency independence, reaffirming the party’s belief in centralized monetary policy. Nevertheless, the Rassemblement National remains a prominent political force in France pushing for crypto legislation.
If approved, the plan could position France as the first European country to formally integrate Bitcoin mining with its nuclear grid, setting a precedent for other nations exploring ways to monetize surplus clean energy. The proposal will now navigate the complex French political landscape, where environmental and financial stability concerns surrounding cryptocurrency remain subjects of debate.
