For the last few years, we have neglected to ensure consistent energy supplies (e.g: premature closure of nuclear power plants, use of imported gas as a substitute for nuclear power, commitments on the rapid exit from coal, etc.). This could result in an electricity and gas shortage this winter in some European countries.
A balance must be found between these two equally important imperatives (security of energy supply and the fight against climate change) by combining a long-term vision and pragmatism in the design and implementation of the corresponding policies.
Among the measures recommended by European states to avoid a disruption in supply, energy sobriety is certainly the one that can give the best results in the short term, if States and major operators quickly launch incentive campaigns for all players (residential, tertiary and industrial) and take appropriate regulatory measures.
Energy sobriety can give the best results in the short term.
Europe and the United States rightly want to accelerate the development of renewable energies because they are both domestic and carbon-free. However, Europe must not exchange a dependence on Russian gas with a dependence on certain energy transition key components, particularly vis-à-vis China (solar panels, metals, and rare earths, etc.)
Nuclear power is an essential component for the decarbonization of electricity and the stability of the electricity grid. Unfortunately, its development comes up against the difficulty of building large third-generation nuclear power plants in Western countries. As in the UK, long-term remuneration systems for nuclear electricity should be put in place to encourage private players to invest in this industry. In addition, an in-depth reflection involving all stakeholders, taking into account safety requirements, past experience, events around the Zaporijjia power plant, innovations introduced by new players should be engaged so that the nuclear renaissance becomes real.
The use of coal is more pervasive than was hoped for during the COP 26 Climate conference. This underlines the importance of rapidly developing competitive CCUS to eliminate CO2 emissions from coal and gas fired power plants (as well as other plants using fossil fuels) and produce enough competitive blue hydrogen.
As renewable energies development is late compared to its targets, as the electrolysis industry profitable ramp-up is not yet done, and as hydrogen long distance transportation is still a challenge, green hydrogen should be reserved for industrial processes where emissions cannot be abated otherwise (for example steel, refining, chemicals).
In the short term, the energy crisis will delay GHG emissions reduction. They could rise sharply again in 2022 (compared to 2021) unless during the last part of 2022, the United States, Europe, and China experience a sharp economic slowdown. In the medium term, the development of those carbon free energies that are also domestic resources (renewable and nuclear) could be boosted by the current energy crisis.
Finally, governments should invest more in education, research, and innovation. Moreover, populations, members of the media and politicians should all receive basic information essential to understanding how energy works.
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