New report from the Climate Action Network: "France's energy sovereignty put to the test"

Energy is one of the main levers of power in international relations. Recent geopolitical crises have painfully reminded us of this. From the explosion of gas prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the kidnapping of Nicolás Maduro by the United States, and including Donald Trump's threats to Europe to sign a €750 billion hydrocarbon purchase agreement over three years, control of energy flows is proving to be a powerful geopolitical weapon.

In France, the concept of energy sovereignty is now central to public discourse, appearing in the names of government ministries and in the objectives of the Multiannual Energy Program (PPE). Yet, it is most often invoked to support piecemeal solutions, or even proposals that seem to undermine it. A small number of talking points replace a broader analysis.

Read the report summary

In response to this situation, the Climate Action Network has compiled the best available data and analysis to compare energy options. This work, subtitled "Fossils, nuclear, renewables: comparing to understand," also includes six thematic sections in which other experts offer their analyses and proposals on specific issues of energy sovereignty.

The report demonstrates, with supporting figures, that an energy sovereignty project must be guided by the reduction of energy consumption and the development of renewable energies.

• Reducing our consumption directly lowers the amount of gas and oil we need to import. Based on the energy efficiency plan proposed in 2022 by the négaWatt association, the Climate Action Network estimates that it is possible to save €4,2 billion in imports per year through short-term energy savings. This potential is much higher in the long term if we organize our society to manage our energy needs.
• The development of renewable energies is the other essential pillar of energy sovereignty. No longer being dependent on energy-supplying countries means producing from local resources: wind, sun, water, or sustainable biomass, available in France and Europe.
• Finally, phasing out fossil fuels largely involves replacing them with renewable electricity in a wide range of uses: vehicle electrification, heat pumps, electrical industrial processes, etc. However, this transformation creates significant strain on the supply of certain raw materials, confirming the absolute imperative of striving for energy efficiency (e.g., small electric vehicles, modal shift towards cycling, public transport or trains, etc.).

According to Bastien Cuq, Energy Manager at the Climate Action Network and author of the report: “Consuming less energy and producing renewable energy locally are the two essential pillars of energy sovereignty, and the only way to no longer depend on Trump and Putin for our energy.”

Download the full report

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.