The energy transition is the evolution of our old ways of producing and consuming energy towards a new system that is more in line with today's reality. A system that is:
Since the industrial revolution, the way we produce and consume energy has changed a lot.
Fossil energy (oil, coal, etc.) used to be the only energy that kept our factories and meters running. The limited nature of these resources and awareness of their ecological impact has given a boost to the development of renewable energies.
At the same time, the way we consume energy has also changed. We are consuming more electricity, throughout the day. Since the industrial revolution, the number of inhabitants has increased sevenfold, as has the average per capita energy consumption.
Some of us have installed solar panels on our roofs to meet part of our needs, making us prosumers (consumers and producers). Others drive in 100% electric vehicles which they charge at home.
Our energy networks were not designed to meet these new uses and challenges. Hence the need for change.
The energy sector is at the forefront of the many challenges posed by the energy transition.
For example, electricity transmission and distribution networks need to be adapted. Managing the balance between electricity consumption and production is becoming more complicated. To address this problem, smart grids in particular must be put in place.
Authorities at all levels of government have made commitments on energy and climate change. These include: the Paris Agreements, the European Climate and Energy 2030 Action Framework, the National Energy-Climate Plan, etc.
The energy transition is the cornerstone of these commitments. After all, it directly affects the objectives of reducing greenhouse gases, increasing energy efficiency and increasing the production of renewable energy.
The energy transition also concerns each and every one of us! To reap the benefits of a more sustainable, flexible and reliable energy system, the consumer (private or professional) will have to play an active role. How?
That is a matter for debate. Depending on the country, the region and the person you are talking to, there are different opinions on what energies should be promoted for this energy transition.
For some, the energy transition implies the abandonment of fossil fuels and nuclear power in favour of renewable energies. For others, on the contrary, nuclear energy is indispensable for the energy transition.
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