How can we optimize our energy sovereignty?
There are three pillars. First, consume less energy by being more efficient. Secondly, reduce our dependence on hydrocarbons by electrifying transport and heating. Finally, decarbonize our electricity by mobilizing all complementary sources: nuclear energy, solar, offshore wind, onshore wind and hydroelectric dams. The goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Why step up the nuclear revival?
Since the energy crisis, the intrinsic advantages of nuclear energy have returned to the forefront: energy sovereignty and the generation of reliable low-carbon electricity. As power generation is the main source of global greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy is recognized as an essential resource for combating climate change. This is why many countries are reviving or stepping up their programs. This is a Herculean task: to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, low-carbon power generation will have to be multiplied sixfold (source: IEA). In France, whose electricity is already largely low-carbon, electricity's share of total energy consumption will rise from 25% to 55% by 2050 (source: RTE).
What are the challenges of critical metals?
But sovereignty goes beyond energy: it also involves the raw materials required to generate electricity. For example, we need rare-earth magnets to manufacture wind turbines and electric cars. Batteries also need so-called “critical” metals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt. Unfortunately, Europe is highly vulnerable in the value chains of these components, which are basically dominated by China. Drawing on its technological expertise, Orano is involved in projects for recycling and recovering these materials in view to a sovereign and competitive critical metal industry in Europe.
PAROLE D’EXPERTS PODCAST
Understanding the geopolitics of energy