France to Pilot Surplus Energy for Bitcoin Mining
France plans a five-year pilot program to harness surplus nuclear and renewable energy for Bitcoin mining. Under the proposal, Bitcoin mining rigs in data centers near power plants would activate only when electricity output exceeds demand, helping stabilize the national grid and reduce waste. Power producers could sell unused energy directly to mining firms, and ADAN estimates that dedicating 1 GW of capacity could generate $100–150 million in annual revenue. The pilot also includes waste heat utilization, capturing heat from mining operations to warm nearby buildings or supply industrial processes. Modeled on Nordic initiatives, the scheme aims to position France as Europe’s leader in sustainable crypto infrastructure. The bill is under parliamentary review and, if approved, could set a precedent for integrating Bitcoin mining with grid management.
Neutral
While France’s pilot to use surplus energy for Bitcoin mining could improve operational efficiency and environmental credentials, its scale and experimental nature limit immediate market impact. In the short term, traders are unlikely to see significant price movement as the project remains under review and outputs are constrained by demand thresholds. Over the long term, demonstrating sustainable mining could enhance institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s environmental footprint, potentially supporting modest bullish sentiment. However, until broader adoption and confirmed revenue flows materialize, the overall effect on Bitcoin’s price trajectory is expected to be neutral.