There are many different ways to

heat

In the field of statistical thermodynamics today, heat refers to the transfer of the thermal ...

Definition : heat

your house or apartment, and they’re getting more and more efficient. From boilers to heat pumps and solar collectors, the equipment is constantly being perfected. District heating systems also have advantages as collective solutions. Here is an overview of efficient, sustainable heating systems.

Energy industries require a wide variety of natural resources, including

coal

Coal is ranked by its degree of transformation or maturity, increasing in carbon content from...

Definition : coal

, oil and gas, of course, but also large quantities of water and rare metals.   The amount of water consumed is particularly significant. As well as the role it plays in the hydroelectric sector, water is also used to cool various thermal power plants, help extract oil and gas and produce plant matter for

biofuels

A fuel produced from plant or animal matter. There are currently two types of biofuel: biodie...

Definition : biofuels

. This growing consumption is in addition to the water used by the world’s population for their needs and activities, such as drinking and domestic water, water needed for farming, and the water used by all industries and services. Some 10% of water withdrawals are specifically for the energy sector.     In addition, innovative technology in energy systems draws on more than 50 metals. Securing the availability of these metals in the 21^stcentury, in a world dominated by the digital revolution and

energy transition

Refers to the shift from current energy production systems, which rely primarily on non-renew...

Definition : energy transition

, is a major challenge for the global economy.  

An educational feature report that includes: a fact sheet on energy in France with exercices and classroom activities; a photo gallery to illustrate the different industrial sites; and a quiz to test your knowledge on the different energy sources and the

electricity

Form of energy resulting from the movement of charged particles (electrons) through a conduct...

Definition : electricity

and

energy mix

The range of energy sources of a region.

Definition : energy mix

.

As a major industrial power, Japan has built its development on research and on close cooperation between the public sector, businesses, and citizens. For decades, the country has been exploring and developing new forms of energy. The Fukushima nuclear accident further reinforced the need to find a more balanced energy mix—one that avoids relying too heavily on imported fossil fuels or on

nuclear energy

Energy produced in nuclear power plants. The enormous amount of heat released during fission ...

Definition : nuclear energy

, which remains a source of public concern. 
Today, Japan is accelerating its transformation, both in technological fields (

renewable energy

Energy sources that are naturally replenished so quickly — sometimes immediately — that they ...

Definition : renewable energy

,

hydrogen

The simplest and lightest atom, the most abundant element in the universe.

Definition : hydrogen

, energy storage) and in social organization (decentralized energy management, smart communities). 

By 2050, Africa will have a population of close to 2.5 billion people, compared to 1.5 billion in 2025. One out of four of the world’s citizens will be African. The continent still faces serious problems, such as malnutrition, poor education and health risks, but many of its 54 countries continue to experience strong growth. These two factors mean that Africa’s energy consumption will practically double by 2035. While this is a challenge, it is also an opportunity to make Africa “the continent of the future”. This case study looks at three countries – Egypt (North Africa), South Africa (Southern Africa) and Kenya (East Africa) – each with its own specific characteristics.

The Asian giant, which before 2025 will be the world's most populous country, is faced with a paradox: its demand for coal will increase in the years ahead, while, at the same time, the country is launching huge renewable energy projects. India’s growing population and economic development are exerting considerable pressure on its energy needs, a situation experienced by many emerging countries.

Electricity is a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. Created by the movement of electrons, this

secondary energy

Secondary energy is energy produced by converting so-called primary energy, or energy availab...

Definition : secondary energy

source must be generated from a primary source such as coal, natural gas,

uranium

Gray, very dense radioactive metal that is relatively abundant in the Earth's crust and ocean...

Definition : uranium

, the sun, wind or water.  

One of the major advantages of electricity is its ease and efficiency in transporting energy. However, there is a drawback: the electricity generated generally has to be consumed immediately, as storage options are limited.

Electricity is mainly generated in large quantities by nuclear power plants and some thermal and hydroelectric power stations. These large quantities are intended to supply cities and industries. Electricity needs vary according to the time of day, activities, weather conditions and seasons. At any given moment, the electricity generated is the result of a subtle combination of different means of production, which are grouped together in what is known as the “electricity mix”. This mix is then distributed via networks to meet users' needs.