The energy transition has now been launched all over the world. This is a good thing. However, if we want to succeed in this transition, it is crucial to consider the challenges that this raises: the management of the raw materials necessary for their production, the development of skills and training, and finally the stimulation of innovation. and R&D.
Take the case of rare metals. Renewable energies, the development of electric vehicles, etc., require the use of raw materials such as copper, nickel, cobalt or lithium. An electric vehicle requires 5 times more of these metals than a combustion engine vehicle. According to some scenarios, meeting the Paris Agreement targets would mean a global increase in the demand for these metals for electric batteries by more than 1,000% by 2050.
In a world of limited and concentrated resources, reindustrialize and commit to the recyclability of these metals has become an absolute necessity for Europe. This makes it possible to adjust our industrial supply chains in light of the risk of shortages and to deconcentrate the production of these materials, which remain in the hands of a handful of countries. The United States made the choice and is today the leading producer of recycled copper. Why not us ?
Stop relocations
In the past, we have also seen a strong movement of industrial relocation to low-cost countries. The negative economic and social impacts no longer need to be demonstrated. But the movement is not positive in terms of carbon emissions either, because it amounts to transferring factories that would have consumed low-carbon energy produced in France or Europe to countries where electricity production is made from of fossil fuels. Here again, relocating industrial production units and research and innovation centers closer to places of consumption is a priority.
This is all the more important in the field of energy transition so as not to depend on foreign production. Our manufacturers are engaged in global competition to supply electric vehicles and batteries. Let’s also give ourselves the means to produce the next generations of wind turbines, or new generation solar panels, or even equipment for the hydrogen and geothermal sectors.
In the same way, digital is the key to a successful energy transition, in particular by providing solutions to reduce energy consumption. In this field, we must ensure Europe’s sovereignty in the field of semiconductors. The United States did so by announcing at the beginning of February the allocation of 52 billion dollars to launch local production. Europe has just announced on February 8 a plan of 43 billion euros for the manufacture of electronic chips. Necessary and welcome announcements, let’s hope the execution follows.
skills and innovation
The energy transition then calls on a variety of electrical, technical, technological and digital skills. It is a unique opportunity to develop new long-term jobs, at all skill levels, and also to replace jobs that are doomed to disappear.
Finally, research and innovation must be the pillar of the energy transition. In 2021, start-ups working on batteries for electric vehicles raised more than $3.6 billion. A look at the United States shows that investments in university research are particularly effective when they are linked to industrial needs. This type of public-private partnership in France is still struggling to emerge, we must accelerate. After years of deindustrialization, the energy transition provides an opportunity to reshuffle the cards of industry and innovation in the world. Let us encourage the initiatives taken so that our country shines in key skills. Let’s not miss this opportunity, let’s be on the winning side.