What if France became a land of innovation for Bitcoin? While the debates on cryptocurrency often oscillate between fascination and distrust, Clara Chappaz, Minister Delegate for Digital, opens an unprecedented door: exploit French nuclear to undermine Bitcoin. A daring proposal, mixing economic pragmatism and energy sovereignty. During a visit to Ledger, the French flagship of blockchain safety, the minister sketched a vision where hexagon could tame the paradoxes of Bitcoin. Not without nuances.
Bitcoin and nuclear: a marriage against debts?
The idea is not new, but it gains credibility. EDF, a giant public of energy, is crumbling under a debt of 65 billion euros. However, its nuclear power plants sometimes produce a surplus of electricity … unused.
Why not convert this energy into Bitcoin? A simple calculation: the mining of cryptocurrencies values excess electricity, generating instant income. Marine Le Pen spoke about it in Flamanville, but the government remained silent. So far.
Clara Chappaz breaks the taboo. “This subject was captured by extreme fringes of the public debate, while it deserves a serious analysis”
No rowdy communication, but a foot -off study. The recent appointment of Bernard Fontana at the head of EDF offers new land. “You have to assess this without ideology, ask the right economic questions”,, she insists. A pragmatism that contrasts with traditional postures.
There remains a pitfall: the image of Bitcoin, often associated with speculation or pollution. The minister knows it. “It's interministerial, not just digital”she slips.
An implicit admission: to convince Bercy or the energy transition, it will take figures, not slogans. What if France became a low carbon mining laboratory? The equation is tempting … but fragile.
If Bitcoin crystallizes economic hopes, it also questions French digital sovereignty. Another project awaits Clara Chappaz: reconciling innovation and regulation, between digital Euro and administrative slowness.
The race against the watch
The digital euro is advancing, but the fears persist. Christine Lagarde (ECB) fixes October 2025 as a deadline for its launch.
Behind the scenes, Clara Chappaz listens to French actors. The protection of personal data is crucial, she recalls.
A message in Brussels, where the project struggles to reassure. The minister promises spaces for dialogue to bring local voices. But Europe is progressing slowly, and France must play collective.
“Struct ourselves!” »»she says to the ecosystem. Concretely, French companies must unite their positions, despite their differences.
A challenge: how to reconcile pro-bitcoin start-ups and traditionalist banks? The minister sees herself as a mediator, “bridge between France and Europe”. A key role, while the European regulator (Mica) imposes strict rules.
Another grievance: the deadlines for the AMF. PSAN approval requests drag, slowing down innovation. Clara Chappaz attacks the subject head on. “I discussed it with the AMF. Simplify, let's inspire ourselves from abroad. »»
A veiled criticism towards a sometimes sclerotic administration. For the minister, accelerating procedures is vital. Can France become a crypto hub while respecting standards? The balance is narrow.
Clara Chappaz embodies a new generation of decision -makers: technophiles, but realistic. His Bitcoin approach? Neither angelism nor rejection, but a quest for added value made in France. Between nuclear and digital Euro mining, the road is strewn with pitfalls.
But a certainty remains: France refuses to remain spectator in a society where the cash could soon disappear.
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