Modelling of energy transition as an optimization problem: is it possible to achieve energy transition in France without renewable energy research?

International audienceTo illustrate the energy transition concept and its associated stakes, we used the mathematical optimization formalism and designed a toy-model applied to the French energy system. This approach is not predictive but lays on four pedagogical scenarios considering industrial capacity and resources limitation, and recycling process to characterise a field of possibilities. Thus, productivity limit and lifetime of solar panels emerge as crucial factors in the short term. Massive recycling process seems to delay material scarcity effect to long term. In contrast, increasing demand remains a significant burden to energy production sustainability

Applicability of Hubbert model to global mining industry: Interpretations and insights

International audienceThe Hubert’s model has been introduced in 1956 as a phenomenological description of the time evolution of US and world oil fields production. It has since then acquired a vast notoriety as a conceptual approach to resource depletion. It is often invoked nowadays in the context of the energy transition to question the limitations induced by the finitude of mineral stocks. Yet, its validity is often controversial despite its popularity. This paper offers a pedagogical introduction to the model, assesses its ability to describe the current evolution of 20 mining elements, and discusses the nature and robustness of conclusions drawn from Hubbert’s model considered either as a forecast or as a foresight tool. We also propose a novel way to represent graphically these conclusions as a “Hubbert’s map” which offers direct visualization of their main features

Towards ecodesign for upscaling: an illustrative case study on photovoltaic technology in France

The upscaling of technology encompasses many facets a designer concerned with reducing environmental impacts must manage. Therefore, previous research proposed an environmental assessment for upscaling (EAU) methodology. This method hinges on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches (e.g., prospective, absolute) and coordinates the environmental modelling from an ecodesign perspective. The originality of this paper is to present an illustrative application on photovoltaic systems. The focus is on the modelling practices (step 3 of the method) using upscaling design levers and generating parametrized scenarios meant to be interpretable for a design team. Examples of data collection and upscaling modelling are provided for the upscaling of silicon-based photovoltaic technology in France from 2021 to 2050. This case study shows that integrating upscaling parameters, such as industrial process evolutions, the technology deployment strategy, and the socio-technical context associated with the technology upscaling phenomenon influence LCA results significantly. The paper, therefore, discusses recommendations for design teams to support them in assessing the environmental implications of their technology choices

Assessing energy technologies sustainability: upscaling photovoltaics using absolute LCA

International audienc

Toward the eco-design of emerging technologies for energy and the industry of the future: how to integrate upscaling in life cycle assessment?: Second-year presentation

National audiencePoster presentation of the sCALe-IT project, as part of the 15th anniversary event of the Institut Carnot Energies du futur