Renewable energies are at the heart of discussions on the energy transition, and their importance for our future is undeniable. In the face of the challenges of climate change, it becomes crucial to understand why these energy sources are essential. Indeed, they possess the necessary characteristics to ensure a sustainable future, not only as clean alternatives to fossil fuels but also as catalysts for innovation and economic growth.
Solar energy: Shedding light on an inexhaustible power
Solar energy, in its photovoltaic and thermal forms, is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. Solar panels come in various forms, from residential installations that allow for self-consumption to vast solar farms. Innovative, these technologies have continually evolved, improving their yield and reducing their cost at the same time.
Photovoltaic cells convert light into electricity using semiconductor materials, particularly silicon. With a constantly increasing global capacity, this technology allows for a growing percentage of the world’s electricity demand to be met. Thanks to the ongoing improvement of recycling technologies, nearly 94% of the components of the panels can be recovered.
Thermal solar: Diverse applications
Different from photovoltaic, thermal solar energy uses the sun’s heat for various purposes, including domestic heating and the production of hot sanitary water. This technology is also used on a larger scale to power local heating networks or even to generate electricity by heating fluids at high temperatures.
Wind: The wind, an inexhaustible and powerful resource
Wind energy is another major renewable source that transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity through wind turbines. Very common in regions with steady winds, wind power has the advantage of being among the most efficient during winters when consumption is very high.
Mainly built on land, wind turbines have an average capacity of 2 to 3 MW, producing enough electricity for thousands of households. Small wind turbine projects, perfect for self-consumption, are multiplying, allowing individuals to participate in this energy transition.
Off-shore: energy from the sea
At sea, fixed wind turbines benefit from constant and powerful winds, increasing their efficiency compared to their land counterparts. Future developments of floating turbines promise even greater energy production by allowing installations far from the coasts.
Hydropower: The force of currents
Hydropower also plays a key role in the production of renewable energy. Using the force of water to generate a significant fraction of the world’s electricity, it is among the most stable due to its controllable production capacity provided by dams.
Dams hold back water to release it when electricity is needed, while pumped storage stations help stabilize the grid by using water retained in two separate reservoirs, offering valuable energy flexibility.
Small hydropower and maritime innovations
Small hydropower and run-of-river installations help diversify renewable energy sources. With the emergence of technologies such as water turbines, tidal energy, and wave energy devices, the sea could well become a major player in the energy landscape.
Biomass: Renewable natural resources
Biomass, due to its diversity, offers multiple energy uses. From heat production with wood to biogas production from organic waste, it is a solution that combines recycling and energy production.
By providing heat and electricity, wood in various forms such as pellets or logs is an ancient resource that continues to play a role in energy networks.
Methanation and biofuels
Methanation transforms organic waste into biogas, which can produce electricity or fuel. These biofuels diversify the energy portfolio while addressing the need to reduce carbon emissions.
