[en] As France's objective is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 according to the Paris agreement and to the more recently announced policy, this means that France's energy system will then rely on three pillars: de-carbonated electricity, biomass, and renewable heat. Thus, this note aims at discussing the role of fossil gas in the French energy mix by 2050. It first notices that, in highly carbonated countries, natural gas is an energy of transition which is used to decrease CO₂ emissions, but that parameters of this transition phase are different in France, notably in relationship with thermal regulation. Then, gas usages by 2050 are discussed, and three of them are still feasible: transports, flexible electric power production, and industry. The authors discuss whether a demand for specific gas usages can be satisfied by 'green gas' within the context of development of various renewable gas production processes (production of bio-methane, pyro-gasification, methanization). They notice that the use of renewable gas would increase the bill for consumers, and be more expensive than the use of heat pumps for old housings.

[en] After having outlined that the present climate evolution (temperature increase) requires ambitious objectives, this note outlines that the reduction of emissions by the transport sector is a priority for France, and that the development of electric vehicles is an opportunity for tomorrow's world. It discusses and compares two options. The first one corresponds to the development of a vehicle which would consume 2 litres per 100 km by 2030 and of a zero-emission vehicle beyond 2050, and the second one corresponds to a European market entirely converted to the electric vehicle by 2050

[en] Based on information gathered in Germany, United-Kingdom, Netherlands, Spain, Norway, United States (notably California), India and China, this study aimed at a better knowledge of the strategic framework regarding electric vehicles, of engine types and of fleet electrification rate, and of incentives in favour of different types of clean vehicles. It also aimed at a better knowledge of policies implemented to develop charging point infrastructures or charging stations, and of measures aimed at supporting employees and enterprises who are not manufacturing thermal vehicles. While outlining an actual strong increase of electric vehicle sales, notably in some countries like China, a first part notices that, despite strong political commitments, the development and sales level are rather low. A second part analyses and compares public incentives and instruments, and outlines their importance to increase sales (a suppression of support measures may result in collapse in sales as noticed in some countries). The third part addresses the deployment of charging points, its financing, and its difficulties. Then, the authors discuss how to anticipate a large scale development of production while taking some characteristics of the automotive sector into account, and by defining a true industrial policy. They also highlight some uncertainties regarding job creation

[en] In the wake of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, the German authorities launched the country's energy transition, or Energiewende. With near unanimous support of Germany's citizens, it was seen as a society-wide project. The enthusiasm the Energiewende generated soon spread beyond the Rhine. Indeed, for many French people it became the model to follow. Replacing nuclear energy and fossil fuels with renewable energy sources that were local when possible, developing electric mobility and making progress towards a zero carbon economy were all virtuous goals. What's more, it seemed they could be attained over a relatively short period of time and at reasonable cost. Today, the Energiewende's future looks less bright. While Germany produces a third of its electricity from renewable energy, this comes at a high price. The cost of electricity for small consumers more than doubled between 2000 and 2013. At the same time, the country continues to rely on coal to produce a large share of its electricity and still has one of the highest levels of CO_2 per person in Europe. But Germany's population is divided about closing its coal-fired and lignite power plants, not to mention doing so would jeopardize its energy supply. Add to this the fact the massive development of intermittent renewable energy sources has made the German power grid unstable and has necessitated the construction of thousands of kilometers of high voltage lines amidst strong local opposition. Lastly, electrifying the transport sector could serve to compound the series of scandals that have hit the automotive industry. Against this backdrop, the coalition government formed following the September 2017 federal elections could very well lower the bar for the Energiewende. (author)