Definition of the energy transition
The energy transition is the set of transformations in the energy production, distribution, and consumption system carried out in a given territory to make its development more sustainable and ecological. It aims to transform the energy system in order to reduce its environmental impact and, above all, the resulting greenhouse gas emissions.
Indeed, the energy transition is a profound change in our methods of energy production and consumption, with a view to sustainable development. Thus, initiating the energy transition means accepting a new social and economic model that renews our ways of working, consuming, producing, and living together.
Need for energy transition
The energy transition has become a necessity rather than a choice, due to the current emergency materialized by global warming and the depletion of fossil resources.
However, we should not confuse energy transition and ecological transition. The first concerns mainly energy, while the second applies to a broader field of application, which includes the preservation of biodiversity, the question of living together, the environment, etc.
The energy transition represents a profound change in our society. It involves rethinking energy production, storage, distribution and use on an individual and collective scale. It represents a shift from our old methods of energy production and consumption to a new system with the following characteristics :
- Less dependent on fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas);
- More renewable energy (wind, solar, biomass, etc.);
- More energy efficient, with less waste;
- More flexible (capable of adapting to renewable production, which varies according to weather conditions for example);
- More decentralized (a multitude of production units dispersed across the territory rather than a few central points);
- Relies on new technologies, particularly digital;
- Better security of supply.
For this, she adopts several means of action :
- Adaptation of transport and land use planning;
- Preservation and restoration of ecosystems;
- Less dependence on scarce resources;
- The production, storage and use of energy;
- Circular economy;
- Thermal renovation of buildings.
The four main pillars of the energy transition
In countries’ quest for a more resilient and environmentally responsible future, the energy transition strategy has become a necessity rather than a choice, due to the current emergency of global warming and the depletion of fossil fuels. In this context, the implementation of this strategy is based on several pillars:
1. Access to energy
In order to lay the foundations for a more equitable energy economy, the condition of access to modern energy services that are reliable, affordable and adequate, both for individuals and communities, is one of the fundamental aspects of the energy transition.
2. Energy sobriety
It involves voluntarily reducing our energy consumption while preserving our quality of life. This approach involves rethinking our behaviors and habits in order to prioritize the least energy-intensive and most environmentally friendly solutions. It is therefore an approach to moderating the use of energy resources.
This sobriety is based on four foundations:
- Structural sobriety : consists of creating and organizing space to encourage a reduction in consumption.
- Dimensional sobriety : aims to find the right balance between equipment and usage needs.
- Simplicity of use : consists of seeking the correct use of equipment.
- Friendly sobriety : involves sharing equipment and its use.
3. Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key pillar in the process of implementing the energy transition. It aims to optimize our energy consumption in order to improve our level of comfort and well-being, with the ultimate goal of reconciling economic development and the preservation of natural resources.
It should be noted that what differentiates effectiveness of sobriety is that energy efficiency allows less energy to be used to satisfy a need, while sobriety consists of reducing the need at the source.
Thus, efficiency corresponds more to the performance of the equipment, while sobriety is linked to our uses, our behaviors and our daily choices.
Indeed, energy efficiency allows :
- Reducing CO2 emissions through optimizing energy demand;
- Improving the technical management of installations by increasing their efficiency;
- Reduction of both the economic cost of energy and the operation of facilities.
4. Development of renewable energies
The second pillar of the energy transition is to promote the development of renewable energy sources, i.e., inexhaustible and non-polluting energy sources. These energies help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are responsible for climate change and air pollution.
The objectives of the energy transition
The idea sought through the energy transition strategy is to gradually abandon the use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and therefore to free ourselves from the current energy system, which is essentially based on the use of non-renewable, exhaustible resources that emit greenhouse gases, with a view to gradually moving towards an energy mix and energy efficiency based mainly on renewable resources, such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and hydroelectric energy .
Moreover, six fundamental objectives have been assigned to this energy transition strategy :
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
- Reducing fossil fuel consumption;
- Reducing the volume of waste in landfills;
- The generalization of access to energy at competitive prices;
- Security of supply and availability of energy;
- Increasing the share of renewable energy.
Challenges of the energy transition
The energy transition is presented as an environmentally friendly mode of economic development, both sober and efficient in energy and resource and carbon consumption, socially inclusive and supporting the potential for innovation.She responds to environmental, political, social, economic, health and security issues:
1. Environmental issues
In environmental matters, the objective of the energy transition is to combat global warming by limiting the impact of human activities on the environment and through the reduction of the volume of waste, the preservation of the ecosystem and the use of renewable energy sources in order to substantially reduce its carbon footprint.
2. Political issues
The central challenge of the energy transition is to provide each stakeholder with greater independence. We must move away from dependence on fossil fuels and, sometimes, from dependence on other countries for energy delivery. This will limit tensions between energy-selling and energy-buying countries and allow countries to regain a form of energy sovereignty.
3. Social issues
On a social level, the energy transition should help many households escape energy poverty. With more modern and efficient equipment, many families can look forward to reducing their energy bills and enjoying renewed comfort in their daily lives.
4. Economic issues
The energy transition allows on the one hand the reduction of energy consumption which implies a reduction of costs and therefore a reduction of expenses promoting competitiveness and profitability.
On the other hand, it promotes green growth. A new economic concept that promotes economic growth and development while ensuring that its ecological footprint on the planet is limited, making it possible to reconcile sustainable development and economic growth.
5. Health issues
Developing a production system based on renewable energy limits greenhouse gas emissions. However, air pollution is the main cause of many respiratory conditions and the development of diseases or cancers, while global warming is responsible for the proliferation of certain bacteria and insects..
6. Security issues
The energy transition favors the use of ecological solutions, whether wind, hydroelectric, solar or biomass, to limit certain risks associated with the use of fossil fuels. Indeed, despite nuclear energy being considered one of the cleanest fossil fuels, in the event of an accident, it presents extremely serious health consequences.
Conclusion
The effects of climate change on the planet are becoming more significant every year. Air, water, and soil pollution, the destruction of biodiversity, and the weakening of our ecosystems, these issues are now a major concern that require us to change our lifestyles and consumption patterns. To achieve this, several countries are making energy transition a pillar of their environmental strategies.
The energy transition is of capital importance, it is part of an approach to controlling global warming and combating the scarcity of fossil fuels, and it contributes overall to the ecological transition.
This revolution allows the transition from a system without limits to a highly constrained system. The objective is not to constantly seek greater performance but rather permanent efficiency. The energy transition towards a sustainable societal model must be a collective and democratic approach that brings together public authorities, businesses and citizens in social, economic and cultural changes that are decisive for the future of our planet.