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- French lawmakers want to use nuclear surplus for Bitcoin mining.
- The plan could earn France up to $150 million per year.
- The pilot project aims to stabilize the grid and reduce wasted energy.
French lawmakers submitted a new bill on July 11 that could shift how the country uses its excess energy. The proposal aims to start a five-year Bitcoin mining pilot that uses surplus nuclear power. Lawmakers believe this move could bring in $100 to $150 million in revenue each year.
The idea builds on previous calls to turn wasted energy into profit. With renewable energy growing fast, France often sees moments of energy oversupply. This happens when wind and solar sources produce more power than the grid can handle.
The result is energy sold at low prices or wasted entirely. By directing this unused energy to Bitcoin mining, the country could avoid losses and boost state revenue. Lawmakers say one gigawatt of surplus electricity alone can support this plan.
Old Power Sites May Host Bitcoin Mining Farms
The legislation proposes the setup of Bitcoin mining facilities near nuclear powerplants. The facilities would only be operational if the grid has extra electricity. The setup would not affect the consumer supply and would be used to balance the grid pressure.
Legislators also advocate that old or inactive power infrastructure can be repurposed for mining. The U.S. and Finland have already repurposed closed-down industrial sites to clean energy-based Bitcoin mining farms. France can also do the same while keeping the carbon emissions at minimal levels.
Another potential benefit concerns heat recovery. The mining rigs emit a tremendous amount of heat as they run. Legislators plan to utilize the heat to warm buildings, grow crops in greenhouse settings, or support other industries. The process gains another use.
France Plans Bitcoin Mining with Nuclear Power
Once parliament adopts the bill, officials will promptly establish the pilot. The French Council of State will oversee its implementation for five years. The government shall draw up a holistic report after six months in order to review results as well as planned measures in the future. The move places France alongside other states that are trying the smart uses of excess power.
Pakistan, Belarus, and the U.S. state of Texas have also explored similar concepts. The global trend shows that countries can use Bitcoin mining to solve energy grid challenges and generate revenue. France’s plan can be a blueprint in Europe, as the continent continues to accelerate renewable energy adoption.
Converting surplus electricity to value might be the next thing required to keep clean energy and economic development in balance in the future. The project could convert lost nuclear energy to gains and stabilize the power grid of France in the future. It could even trigger other nations to use the same Bitcoin mining model.
Related Reading: Bitcoin Next Move: Will It Surpass $124K or Face a Reversal?
