The challenge: the energy transition is therefore a key issue in the objectives of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050.
In early 2022, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and its consequences on the importation of fossil energy from Russia underscored the importance of energy supply security. The dependence of Europe on Russian gas, combined with technical problems in French nuclear plants, brought a degree of uncertainty to the winter of 2022–23. Mild temperatures and efforts on the part of citizens and businesses to control energy usage enabled the country to avoid power cuts.
The energy transition must be sustainable, affordable and ensure security of supply.
In the light of these events, several major regions of the world, including Europe and the United States, passed legislation to accelerate the development of renewable and nuclear energy, CO2 capture and storage, green hydrogen production and battery manufacture on their territories. It is imperative that the rate of implementation of these measures be compatible with the decrease in the cost of these key technologies, in order that the cost of the energy transition be acceptable for all. The sustainability of these green energy sources must be measured over their life cycle (from the production of the equipment to its recycling). For example, it is necessary to recycle the metals contained in batteries in order to avoid rapid depletion of our planet’s mineral resources. This recycling will also enable western countries to reduce their dependence on rare metals from certain countries like China (which today refines 90% of the world’s lithium). The technical, economic, social and geopolitical challenges of this energy transition are complex.
The solution: we are moving from being a project-by-project reactive provider, to a full carbon transition partner.
2022 was a turning point for the energy transition. Consumer expectations and investors’ ESG agenda, together with legislative pressure and rising energy costs, have pushed the energy transition to the forefront of decision-making and investment planning for many organisations in the United Kingdom. Indeed, we have observed an increase in the demand of our public and private sector clients for our renewable energies offer, whether for solar energy, heat pumps or hydrogen, along with expectations to reduce energy consumption, notably through the automation and digital control of buildings. Many have adopted a more long-term vision: their immediate concerns for costs and resilience act as a catalyst for their transition to low carbon operation.
Confronted with unprecedented challenges, our clients seek partners to help them.
In a highly fragmented market, our expertise is more in demand than ever and at an earlier stage. In a number of cases, we are moving from being a projectby-project reactive provider, to a full carbon transition partner. We offer full turnkey solutions covering all aspects of carbon emission reduction, from consultancy to operation and maintenance. We help our clients to set targets, create Net Zero road maps, secure funding, design and execute turnkey projects with return on investment and achieve accreditation. We supply renewable energy via large-scale solar farms that we design and build (EPC), as well as decarbonised heat through the design and installation of heat pumps. Our Equans Digital SmartR offer enables building automation and control, thus actively reducing energy consumption. For example, in 2022, we completed several projects for the city of Newcastle. We started with consultancy services, helping them to secure public sector decarbonisation funding from government. We then carried out the delivery of a range of energy efficiency measures and the retrofit of renewable technologies, including the installation of heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels at a dozen municipal buildings, schools and industrial premises in the city.
Collectively, all of these actions will make it possible to save 4,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. We act practically: it is through millions of initiatives that we will win the climate challenge!