The energy transition is a major challenge for France, from both an environmental and socio-economic point of view. Faced with the challenges posed by climate change and the depletion of natural resources, it is essential to rethink our energy production and consumption model.
In 2015, the Loi de Transition Énergétique pour la Croissance Verte (Energy Transition Law for Green Growth), together with the Paris Agreements reached at COP21, were decisive for the energy transition in France. They established an ambitious roadmap and laid the foundations for a profound transformation of the energy system. France pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels, and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition, the Green Pact for Europe (2019), the Climate and Resilience Law (2021), the European Green Taxonomy (2022) and the Renewable Energy and Nuclear Bill (2023) contribute to a comprehensive regulatory framework that promotes an accelerated and sustainable energy transition.
To achieve these objectives, France needs to make a major energy transition, which cannot be seen solely from the angle of clean energy production. It must also take into account issues up and down the value chain, including waste management, energy efficiency, resource sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.
The circular economy, with its approach to reusing, repairing, recycling and regenerating resources throughout their life cycle, presents considerable opportunities to reduce our dependence on virgin resources, cut waste and emissions, and promote more efficient and sustainable energy use.
In line with its commitment to supporting private and public players' transition to a circular economy, Circul'R wanted to analyze the close link between France's energy transition and the circular economy.
In the first part, we will analyze the specific challenges facing the energy transition, both upstream and downstream of the energy chain, and see how the circular economy can provide concrete answers to these challenges. In the second part, we will highlight the circular levers that can facilitate and accelerate the energy transition, examining the various pillars of the circular economy and their ability to support this transition.
By combining the strengths of the energy transition and the circular economy, France can aspire to a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous energy future. It's time to explore these synergies in detail and seize the opportunities they offer.
