Growth & Energy. History background: economic growthAppeared with the industrial revolution. Concept of energy intensy is introduction of energy consumption since the ”golden sixties” is discussed. Kaya equation (correlation between climatic impacts
demographic, economic and technological factors) is introduced. Reducing GHG emissions relies on (1) reducing energy intensity (2) replacing coal by renewable energies relying on gas
Oil is a special energy. Multi-purpose energy concentrate(transport, heating, industries, electricity) that is easily transported and stored. But, responsible for 38% of GHG emissions and can cause serious pollution.
In the future, oil will remain a special energy dedicated to transport and petrochemicals. Its relacement will remain limited: electric car in towns, trucks and ships with CNG or LNG Biofuels are ”false good ideas” their production requires a lot of land, water and primary energy.

Electrical transition. Replacing coal and nuclear power by renewable energies is the key lever of the electric transition. But renewable energies (solar, wind) are intermittent and energy storage methods are limited. Consequently, development of renewable will rely on natural gas. Gas is cheap, abundant and safe. Emitting half as much GHG as coal, its will play an essential role in the electrical transition. Finally , irrespective of the national grid, some of the electricity of tomorrow will be produced regionally or locally at medium or small scale, distributed and exchanged through ”micro smart grids”. In this context, consumers and territories will become real energy players. Decentralized electricity will be the most viable option for Africa

Reduce energy intensity. The cheapest energy is the ”one we do not consume”. Energy intensity remains very high in emerging countries. Reducing it requires increasing the efficiency of electricity generation and achieving substantial savings in transport and housing. Finally, we must also change our behavior and habits.

The carbon tax. To be economically viable the transition will need to implement a CO2, tax and or a Co2, market without it, coal will remain the most economical and climate goals can not be archieved. But a world CO2 tax is a dream, implementing regional taxes is more reasonable.
Europe could be a good pilot case.

Geopolitics of energy transition. 4 examples (US, China, Russia and Europe) show that the energy transition relies on 3 pillars: reduction of GHG emissions, energy security
And competitiveness. Their importance and agenda differ from one nation to another. We must not delude ourselves

On a globalized transition with fully coordinated agendas