Energy: what are the issues?
Max Fressonnet: I’m interested in energy issues for several reasons. First of all, there is fighting climate change with the necessary decarbonization of energy as we move away from fossil fuels. Then there are the various energy crises we have experienced over the past year, which have made us realize that energy independence is vital for a country like France and for a continent like Europe.
Philippe Knoche: Energy is a daily concern for all of us and a major issue for the future. Besides climate considerations, it has become a matter of national sovereignty. Thanks to nuclear energy, France produces more than 50% of its energy requirements.
Max Fressonnet: I would point out that the issues of climate change and energy price independence are closely related. For these two reasons, the solution is to end our dependence on fossil fuels.
Philippe Knoche: You’re right. Europe produces only 29% of its primary energy with clean energy sources, while 70% of its energy is still based on fossil fuels, the first consequence of which is an impact on climate change. The second consequence is an energy dependence that makes us vulnerable to a certain extent. Because uranium has a much higher energy density than hydrocarbons (100 g of natural uranium = 1 ton of crude oil), it is more easily stored. In France, there is typically a two- to three-year stockpile in case of a supply interruption, not counting the reserve of depleted uranium held by Orano, which adds several years. For fossil fuels, it is difficult to have a reserve of more than a few months. This nuclear reserve generates price visibility and a degree of sovereignty that is quite strong. There is a consistency between the demands of decarbonization, energy sovereignty and, ultimately, competitiveness.
Electricity: The energy of the 21st century?
Max Fressonnet: As electrification of our society and activities becomes inevitable, low-carbon electricity is more than ever an important source.
