Several building and energy sectors still disagree with the government on the real carbon impact of electricity

For years, the calculation of the carbon content of electricity has been based on a seasonal method by use leading to an emission factor whose last value at the launch of the E + C- label was 210gCO2 / kWh. This method recognizes the seasonal nature of heating use and its impact on the carbon emission factor of the electricity produced during the winter, which requires the use of controllable means using carbon sources (fuel oil and coal power plants). or combined cycles with natural gas).

Used as a regulatory reference in the E + C- label, this method was the subject of updating work in 2020 within the electricity working group of the ADEME carbon base and a new calculation formula was approved. The carbon emission factor per kWh of electricity consumed for heating use thus drops from 210g to 132gCO2 / kWh (year 2020 benchmark).

Citing the lack of consensus on the old seasonal method and although it was the result of a compromise between the players in 2016 as part of the work to develop the E + C- label, the administration has, without consultation with professionals, imposed a method that no longer recognizes the seasonal nature of heating use. This method leads to a carbon emission factor per kWh of electric heating of 79gCO2 / kWh (still awaiting integration into the carbon base), a regulatory value which will apply for the moment to the RE2020 and to the Performance Diagnosis. Energy (DPE).

From now on, two calculation methods will therefore coexist within the ADEME Carbon Base:

• the monthly method by use chosen on purpose by the public authorities - to serve the objective of decarbonization by electricity alone
• and the seasonally-based method recognized by the vast majority of players in ADEME's electricity working group as the most representative formula of the real impact of electric heating systems on CO2 emissions from the electricity mix in winter for use. heater.

This is therefore the paradox of the Carbon Base: the regulations will henceforth be based on a method which only meets with consensus in the electricity sector and the administration.

By unilaterally setting the carbon content of electricity at 79gCO2 / kWh, the public authorities are choosing to decarbonise electricity alone, while massive electrification will mobilize new means of production and impose the strengthening of networks as well as controllable means of production to meet the winter peak.

For the President of Coénove, Bernard Aulagne, “This massive electrification thus pushed could not however constitute the only way towards carbon neutrality. As Coénove has already shown, another path is possible, one that combines energy efficiency and the greening of gas, whose carbon emission factor for biomethane is 44gCO2 / kWh. "

“All sectors have a role to play in making the energy transition a success. " Concludes Bernard Aulagne.