"Decarbonized" and renewable energies
In the category of renewable energies, we find solar, wind, hydraulic and marine resources. An energy is said to be "renewable" when nature renews it fast enough to consider it inexhaustible on a human timescale (solar, hydraulic, wind...).
However, the term "inexhaustible" is not an invitation to waste ! Electricity generation and related operations do have an impact on soil, biodiversity and the environment.
A "decarbonated"energy is one that produces and releases a very small amount of CO2, and therefore greenhouse gases. Obviously, no energy is truly zero-carbon ; we use the term " low-carbon". Because to calculate the emissivity of an energy, its production is taken into account but also the necessary downstream stages. For example, in the case of a wind turbine, even if the production of electricity does not emit CO2, the carbon footprint is that of its construction, maintenance...
The special feature of nuclear power is that it is a non-renewable, yet low-carbon energy ; even though the uranium 235 required for nuclear fission is an exhaustible resource, electricity production releases very little CO2 into the atmosphere. The aim of today's research is to find a solution to recycle and reuse the uranium already in use, in order to move towards a more renewable energy source.
What are the targets for reducing carbon emissions?
But why bet on low-carbon energies? What are their advantages?
Greenhouse gas emissions are primarily responsible for global warming. These gases act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping the sun's heat. Coal, oil and gas emit huge amounts of CO2 when burned, and are still widely used.
Low-carbon energies have a vital role to play in achieving carbon neutrality. According to the latest IPCC reports, at the current rate of development, global warming will reach +2.7°C by the end of the century. Carbon neutrality, achieved before 2050, should make it possible to limit global warming to +2°C; this difference of 0.7°C would be enough to cause irreversible upheaval to terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In France, the 2019 Climate Plan commitment aims to divide greenhouse gas emissions by 4 by 2050.
Renewable energies and nuclear power therefore have their place in building a sustainable future!