France Could Become a Hub of Innovation for Bitcoin by Exploiting Its Nuclear Power to Mine the Cryptocurrency

While the debates on cryptocurrency often oscillate between fascination and distrust, Clara Chappaz, the delegated minister for Digital Affairs, opens an unprecedented door

“We can look into the possibility of using France’s nuclear energy surplus for Bitcoin mining.” The statement by Clara Chappaz, the delegated minister for Digital Affairs, during a visit to Ledger on Thursday, October 26, may appear surprising.

But it reflects the minister’s pragmatism and her desire to see France become a hub of innovation in an ever-changing digital landscape.

After months of debates on cryptocurrency, often marked by fascination or distrust, the time has come to calmly assess the possibilities.

This is evident in the proposal to use French nuclear power for Bitcoin mining. A bold idea that blends economic pragmatism and energy sovereignty, two subjects dear to the Hexagon.

The idea of using EDF’s nuclear energy surplus for Bitcoin mining is not new. Public energy giant EDF is struggling with a debt of 65 billion euros, while its nuclear plants sometimes have an unused surplus of electricity.

This could be converted into cryptocurrency, as Bitcoin mining is essentially the process of valorizing excess electricity and immediately generating revenue. A simple calculation that even presidential candidate Marine Le Pen touched upon during her visit to Flamanville.

However, the government has remained largely silent on the subject.

But now, Clara Chappaz is breaking the taboo. “This subject has been captured by extreme fringes of public debate, while it deserves serious analysis,” she stated.

No noisy communication, but a genuine study. The recent appointment of Bernard Fontana at the head of EDF also offers a fresh perspective.

“We need to evaluate this without ideology, ask the right economic questions,” she added. A pragmatism that contrasts with the usual ideological stances on cryptocurrencies.

Of course, there is the image of Bitcoin, often associated with speculation or pollution, which could be a pitfall. “It’s inter-ministerial, not just digital,” Chappaz noted.

An implicit admission: to convince Bercy or the Energy Transition ministry, we'll need figures, not slogans. The equation of France becoming a low carbon mining laboratory is tempting, but fragile.

If Bitcoin crystallizes economic hopes, it also raises the question of French digital sovereignty. Another challenge awaits Chappaz: reconciling innovation and regulation, navigating between the digital euro and administrative sluggishness.

The digital euro is advancing, with ECB president Christine Lagarde setting October 2025 as the deadline for its launch. Meanwhile, fears remain, particularly regarding the protection of personal data, which Chappaz highlighted.

A message to Brussels, where the project is struggling to fully reassure. The minister promises dialogue spaces to carry local voices. But Europe is moving slowly, and France must play collectively.

“Let’s organize ourselves!,” she urged the ecosystem, noting that French companies need to unite their positions despite their differences. A challenge to reconcile pro-Bitcoin start-ups and traditional banks.

Chappaz sees herself as a mediator, “a bridge between France and Europe.” A key role, as the European regulator (MiCA) is setting strict rules.

Another grievance: the delays from the AMF. PSAN approval requests are piling up, hindering innovation. Chappaz tackled the subject directly.

“I’ve discussed this with the AMF. Let’s simplify, let’s draw inspiration from abroad,” she said, in a veiled criticism of an administration that can sometimes be paralyzed. For the minister, accelerating procedures to approve crypto service providers is crucial.

Can France become a crypto hub while respecting standards? The balance is delicate, and Chappaz embodies a new generation of decision-makers: tech-savvy, yet realistic in her approach.

Neither idealism nor rejection, but a quest for added value made in France. Between nuclear mining and the digital euro, the road is fraught with obstacles.

But one certainty remains: France refuses to be a spectator in a society where cash could soon disappear.