In a surprising turn, France’s far-right Rassemblement National (RN) is now supporting Bitcoin mining. They plan to use spare nuclear energy for it. This marks a change from their earlier crypto concerns. The RN views this as a useful way to spend extra energy, strengthen France’s energy independence, and generate income. But, this change raises some tough questions about political, environmental, and economic issues.
Marine Le Pen, who heads the RN party, used to be against cryptocurrencies. In 2016, she cautioned that crypto and digital money could take away people’s control over their own money, saying it could separate people and help global banks. But now, in 2025, the RN seems to have changed its mind. This power, produced when demand is low, would otherwise be wasted. RN representative Aurélien Lopez-Liguori has even written a bill to put mining equipment at sites run by Électricité de France (EDF), the state-owned utility company.
Le Pen publicly showed her support during a visit to the Flamanville nuclear plant in March. She suggested turning this unused energy into safe and very profitable digital assets. This law will start with a five-year trial. Mining will only happen when the power grid doesn’t need much electricity, letting us make good use of extra nuclear power. Nuclear reactors run by EDF are targeted. For example, the Flamanville plant is central to both the rhetorical framing and the planned infrastructure
People who support this idea say that mining machines can act like adjustable loads. They can be turned on when not much power is being used, which uses extra power. When a lot of power is being used, they can be shut off, which helps keep the power grid steady. The plan also includes reusing the heat that comes from mining to heat houses or greenhouses.
Nuclear energy is better for the environment than fossil fuels because it makes less carbon pollution. But, some people are concerned that crypto mining uses so much electricity. Things such as cooling systems, broken computers, and e-waste could cause hidden environmental problems. Getting rid of radioactive waste safely is also a major concern. On top of that, using nuclear energy for crypto might make other clean energy solutions look worse.
Even mining setups meant to be turned on and off can still cause tech problems. To keep the power grid stable, prevent overheating, and manage changes in supply and demand, we need clear rules. People are concerned about safety, maintenance, and whether EDF and other groups are ready for these challenges. Bitcoin’s price is very volatile. Tying public energy and national plans to something this unstable puts the country at risk.
Le Pen seems to agree. Some, like Jean-Philippe Tanguy, the party’s finance person, warn that supporting cryptocurrency could weaken control over money and rules. A previous change about mining using extra EDF power didn’t pass in June 2025 because of process issues. To pass laws, you have to overcome opposition from other parties, environmental groups, public opinion, and legal issues.
The French far-right’s move to support crypto mining is quite a surprise. They started out not trusting it, but now they see it as a way to use the country’s energy better, make money, and push their ideas about independence and tech. Turning extra nuclear energy into Bitcoin isn’t simple. It needs solid planning, rules, environmental protection, and everyone to agree. If the National Rally gets it right, France could show how governments can see crypto as part of the country’s basic systems, not just something on the edge.
It’s up to France to find the right balance between the good things that come with energy and money gains, and the dangers that come with mining’s high energy use and unpredictable nature. This includes things like the environment, finances, and politics. What France is doing could change how we think about mining in the economy. It could go from being a small-time thing to a state-supported energy plan.
