Renewable Energy Sources by Margot, Jessica and Clara

Renewable energy
The main eadvantage of renewable energy is that it cannot be exhausted, because it arises directly from natural, regular or constant elements, linked to the energy of the sun, the ground or gravitation. Renewable energies are also "cleaner"(fewer CO2 emissions, less pollution) than the energies that are not renewable.
The principal renewable energies are:
· Hydro-electric power
· Wind energy
· Biomass energy
· Solar energy
· Geothermal science
· Marine energies

Hydro-electric power

Hydropower exploits the water of streams, waterfalls, even tides, to transform it into electricity.

We can see hydroelectric plants near rivers which capture all or part of the flow of a river, and those requiring water supply:

Both kinds of installations need dams.

Wind energy
A wind turbine is a means which allows wind energy to be converted into mechanical energy. This energy is then transformed almost all the time into electricity. France possesses the second European wind surface after Great Britain. An important development of the wind energy in France is indispensable to answer the objectives fixed by the European directive concerning renewable energies.

Solar energy
Solar energy transforms the rays of the sun into electricity or into heat, using a variety of technologies. The photovoltaic solar energy produces some electricity via photovoltaic means, electricity which can be then put in electricity networks. The thermal solar energy produces some heat which can be used for the domestic heating or the production of warm water, for showers for example. Finally, solar energy thermodynamics produces some electricity via  heat production

Marine energies
Marine energies refer to all the technologies which allow energy to be produced, in particular electricity, from the various resources of the marine environment.
We can distinguish fossil fuels (oil, gas) from new renewable energies. These energies have an immense energy potential which have the added advantage of having a long-lasting perspective.

Geothermal science
Geothermal science or «heat from the ground " refers to all the applications allowing us to capture the heat contained underground or in the ground-waters (the temperature of the earth and the groundwater increases the closer we get to the center of the earth). According to the application, calories thus captured are of use to the production of heat and/or cold or to electricity production.

Presentation of the different kinds of geothermal science
There are various types of geothermal science with two big domains: heat production and/or the production of cold and electricity production. 

Bouchet Margot, Michellier Clara, Da Silva Jessica

Nuclear Energy in France by Mathieu and Cathy

Nuclear power in France : a problem or an essential resource ?

- France : the country in the world with the most nuclear power stations relative to the population.

- Nuclear power accounts for 17% of French energy needs and 78% of French electricity consumption.

Nuclear energy seen as a resource

In France, 78% of electricity comes from nuclear power. This is one of the most competitive in Europe.

In France, 78 % of electricity comes from nuclear energy. This is one of the most competitive of Europe. With its fleet of 58 reactors, France reaches a level of energy independence close to 50%, guaranteeing a stable supply.

Nuclear energy is an energy which does not emit greenhouse gases.

In a context of struggle against global warming, the phenomenon is now well understood by scientists, and defined as inevitable. It’s essential to use methods of energy production that don't increase global warming . Nuclear power has undoubtedly alongside other energies, such as renewable energy, an important role to play, to help preserve the environment.

It is well known that the nuclear industry produces waste, dangerous because it emits radiation. However waste products occupy a small volume and can be safely managed. Solutions have already found to manage 90% of the radioactive waste produced in France.

Ongoing research aims to help make informed choices about future management of waste, which represent 10% of the annual production of radioactive waste.

From the point of view of security of supply and energy independence

With its fleet of nuclear reactors with an installed capacity of 63,200 Megawatts, France holds 78% of its electricity production, allowing it to reach a level of energy independence around 50%.

France is therefore obliged to import massive amounts of fossil fuels to produce electricity. Nuclear power does not have the same constraints as oil or gas.

From the point of view of the environment

Since 1970, in France, 50% of CO2 emissions were avoided through the use of nuclear energy.

Nuclear power avoids the emission each year of 700 million tons of CO2 (emissions equal to those that produce 200 million cars) in Western Europe, including 360 million in France.

An average French person emits on average 1.8 times less CO2 than a German 2.9 and less than an American. In France, electricity generation is 78% nuclear and 14% renewable (mostly hydro), and is the origin of 10% of national emissions of greenhouse gases, as against 40 % globally.

Stopping the production of nuclear energy would  result in a 12% increase in the production of CO2.

On the issue of nuclear waste, nearly 90% of that produced in France already has a reliable and safe industrial solution. It is stored on the surface in two storage centers managed by Andra in the Manche (in Normandy) and Aube (Champagne-Ardennes).

For the remaining 10%, the CEA (Atomic Energy Commission), along with other organizations and institutions, is fully engaged in the research process, regulated by the law of 30 December 1991. It designs and develops techniques for the efficient and safe management of radioactive waste, that is to say to reduce their amount and harmfulness, the packaging and storage deep under the ground. These solutions exist, but it is important to bring them to a level of sufficient scientific and technical maturity, while taking into account economic factors and offering the most comprehensive waste management methods

From the economic point of view

The electricity produced in France is currently one of the most competitive in Europe. For operation in basic nuclear, appears more competitive than gas and coal.

These results include all present and future costs for the nuclear industry, that is to say, research and development, processing of spent fuel, decommissioning of nuclear power stations and waste management.

This competitiveness increases if we take into account the costs incurred by the limitation of emissions of greenhouse gases.

Nuclear power seen as a threat

La Hague: the largest reprocessing plant

Since 1966, the COGEMA plant, located in Cap de la Hague, Normandy, processes used nuclear fuel not only from France, but also from 27 other countries using nuclear energy.

Fuels arriving at the factory are stored under water for several years to cool and they are no longer radioactive. Then the uranium and plutonium are recycled to produce new fuel.

From the environmental point of view, the impact of  La Hague has been the subject of a substantive review by a panel of international experts. The study showed that radioactive releases from La Hague in normal operation represent a significant accident every year. Emissions that exceed by several orders of magnitude allowed emissions.

The La Hague site focuses by far the largest quantity of radioactivity on French soil, making it a nightmare for any security officer. In case of attack, such an attack by hijacked planes, the La Hague plant is not protected.

False arguments to justify the choice of nuclear

« Nuclear power can reduce the" greenhouse effect " » :

The greenhouse effect is a real problem: it can lead to dramatic climate change by removing species. Droughts and floods will become more frequent. But nuclear power is not the solution.

While nuclear energy does not produce carbon dioxide it is hardly unique: all the materials used to build power consumed energy with the emission of polluting gases.

Radioactive waste is transported from one place to another that:

- produce CO2

- Creates a risk of dispersion of radioactive material into the environment

To fight against the greenhouse effect, we need lower overall global energy consumption, and most importantly, we must replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.

"It would be too expensive to stop"

How much will it cost us if there is an accident?

A large part of the population would experience cancer and birth defects or have children with genetic diseases.

All our fruit and vegetables would be radioactive; we would no longer be able to sell our agricultural produce abroad. Our reputation for fine wines would quickly disappear.

Many other environmental problems would occur.

What are the real costs?

"It would take us a long time to replace nuclear power."

This is false. You should know that to produce enriched uranium, the nuclear industry needs a large amount of energy. In fact, it is self-sustaining with nuclear energy, thereby increasing French consumption!

We must use renewable energy. Thus, shut plants and avoid the risk of accidents.

                 

Shale Gas by Valentin and Lucas

What is Shale Gas ?

Shale gas is natural gas produced from shale. Shale gas has become an increasingly important source of natural gas in the United States over the past decade, and interest has spread to potential gas shales in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. One analyst expects shale gas to supply as much as half the natural gas production in North America by 2020.

Here are several animations in order to better understand what shale gas is:

http://www.dangersoffracking.com/

http://www.marketplace.org/topics/sustainability/one-fracking-minute-animated- explainer-hydraulic-fracturing

http://app.owni.fr/gaz/ (French animation)

 In France, there is a debate on shale gas. That's what we will see now.

                       

From the political point of view..

 According to our Industrial Renewal Minister Arnaud Montebourg: France isn’t prepared to tap its shale energy resources until « clean technologies » are invented to replace hydraulic fracturing.

 The technique known as fracking causes « irreversible pollution » in some cases, the minister was cited as saying in an interview published in Les Echos newspaper. It will probably be replaced by a different methods, he said.

The French parliament passed a law last year outlawing fracking because of concern it can pollute drinking water, effectively halting plans by companies including Total to explore for shale gas in southern France. Fracking is widely used in the United States, including by Total, to produce gas.

 « Hydraulic fracturing is and will remain banned and currently it’s the only way to produce shale gas » said the Environment and Energy Minister Delphine Bath: « Debate is now centered on a technology that doesn’t exist right now to my knowledge. A new technique hasn’t yet been demonstrated. »

Total Chief Executive Officer Christophe de Margerie said: « France should have the courage to explore for shale gas. Because when we are in a difficult economic situation like today and we have the possibility to maybe find gas, which is cleaner than oil and coal, and as we are questioning nuclear energy, it would be a shame not to develop gas. Environmental issues have to be addressed as we go along. »

Fracking uses water, sand and chemicals to open fissures in rocks and release gas and oil. Following passage of the French law in parliament, the previous government suspended the rights of energy companies to explore for shale gas around Paris and in southern France.

France and Poland are the two countries with the biggest potentially recoverable reserves of shale gas in Europe, according to the International Energy Agency.

The French law banning fracking allows for experiments into the procedure overseen by a national commission that must report back to the government annually. It’s not clear whether the new government will install this commission.

 Economically speaking...

 At the economic level, the exploitation of shale gas would be very advantageous. Indeed, the import of gas costs 11 billion Euros per year to France !! Exploiting gas in our country has three advantages: - Reducing our trade deficit by 11 billion € per year;

                    - Creating jobs and value added in France of 5 billion € annually through the local production of gas at a cost close to 50% of the value of imports;

                    - Saving 5 billion € per year in competitiveness for companies and purchasing power of households with access to cheaper energy.

  

From the environmental perspective...

 First, the water tables are at shallow depth, maximum of 600 meters, while gas deposits are at a great depth (a few thousand meters) under many impermeable rock layers. The risk is that the boreholes pass through the acquifères, but leaks are unlikely if the rules, namely the casing and cementing are applied correctly.

Then, the hydraulic fracturings. More than 2 million hydraulic fracturings have been performed worldwide, including 1 million in the United States, because this technique is 60 years old and is used in all oil fields to maximize production. Close to us, in the Netherlands, not less than 1000 fractures were performed to exploit this gas.

The water consumption during the fracturing operation, which is done only once, is 10 000 to 20 000 m3 per well, the equivalent of six Olympic swimming pools !!

The influence on the ground during the drilling reaches 100 meters by 100 meters including the settling pond of water. However, at the end of the operation to move to the operational phase it stays put some wellheads 3 meters apart from each other trapped in a small enclosure mesh and the operator has a contractual obligation return the site to its original condition. The gas transmission pipelines are buried at a depth of 3 meters.

Conclusion

To conclude, shale gas has advantages at the economic level and disadvantages at the environmental level. For the moment, the exploitation of this energy in France is prohibited. But maybe it will change in future years because, what wouldn't people do to earn money?

 Let us conclude with a well-known French saying which states:

Quand le dernier arbre sera abattu, la dernière rivière asséchée, le dernier poisson péché l'homme s'apercevra que l'argent n'est pas comestible.

(When the last tree is cut down, the last river drained and the last fish caught, man will realize that money isn't edible...)

The debate on fracking in France by Dorcas, Corentin, and Madison

Introduction
Shale gas is natural gas contained in rocks. This natural gas is much exploited. It is contained in impermeable rock. In 2007, there were 688 deposits around the world. It has been operated for more than a century. To extract the gas, the technique is based on directional drilling, hydraulic fracturing associated with a large number of wells. The total cost of a single bore hole is between 8 and 10 million Euros. This extraction technique causes considerable pollution because it produces a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2) and many chemicals are used; also there is a high amount of water which is not recovered.

Method of extraction
First of all this method consists in fracturing rocks below which the gas is trapped. After finding a space where the rocks contain shale gas, a shaft is drilled to reach the layer of shale between 2300 and 3000 meters underground. Before fracturing the rock, the shaft is reinforced in a concrete lining. An explosive charge is placed at the end of the shaft and then is detonated in order to fracture the layer of shale where the gas is located. After smashing the rock, fracturing fluid is propelled at high pressure to remove cracks and recover the gas. This fracturing fluid is essentially composed of an important quantity of water, sand and many chemicals ( for example : Lubricants, Detergents … ). The gas extracted still contains fracturing fluid. All that remains is for the gas to be separated from the liquid and the gas to be collected.

The Advantages
The main advantage, according to its proponents; is that Shale gas is a cheap source of energy.

The Disadvantages 
The question is why do people think Fracking is a bad thing? This method of extraction has many disadvantages like for example: The fracking and the drilling process is noisy, which bothers people living close by and this method of extraction requires huge quantities of water. When the rock is shattered, the shaft may have cracks and gas and liquid will escape through porous rock, thus polluting the water table. The separation of gas and fracturing fluid produces carbon dioxide as well as methane. It also has harmful effects on the health of those working on the drilling sites who suffer from high levels of benzene in their blood.

In France: what is the opinion about this method?
France, with Poland, are the countries in Europe which have the biggest reserves of shale gas. The principal supplies are located in the North East and South-East of the country. In France fracking is highly controversial. Indeed in June 2011, France became the first country to ban the fracking method because the French government considered it to be too dangerous for the environment. However new research continues in order to find other ways of extracting which damage the environment less.

Our thoughts on 'An Inconvenient Truth' by Ombeline, Alexia and Lucie in France

An Inconvenient Truth is a documentary film directed by Al Gore, a politician who participated in the US 2000 presidential election. Since 1976, he has devoted his life to fighting against global warming and tries to find solutions to protect the environment as much as possible. He thinks we have to struggle against this problem whereas for him, people prefer turning a blind eye to it. When this film appeared, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

Causes/Consequences
 According to Al Gore, and many scientists throughout the world, we only have 10 years to avoid a planetary catastrophe. At the beginning, Al Gore introduces us to all different problems caused by global warming: there are more and more droughts, the sea level is rising, and the ice cap is melting, and so on. In this film, we can see the Kilimanjaro 30 years ago with a lot of snow, and now, almost without any. But global warming is not natural; Al Gore claims man’s activity is responsible. Indeed, Al Gore shows us a graph to illustrate the increasing temperatures of the world. He thinks car pollution and factory pollution are responsible. The more Carbon dioxide there is in the atmosphere, the hotter temperatures will be. Then, he explains if global warming continues there will be more and more flooding because the sea level is rising and icebergs are melting. The greenhouse gases are a natural process, but the amount of CO2 in the world, which is increasing, intensifies this natural effect causing droughts all over world. The consequences are serious. In approximately 100 years, there will be a rise of the sea level, which will cause flooding, and New York could be underwater. Approximately 30% of animals in the world could incur a risk of extinction, like polar bears for example, which need the ice cap to live on. Global warming can also cause forest fires, flooding, droughts.

Solutions 
In the film, Al Gore doesn't mention any solutions to fight against global warming, he advances only proposals. However, he mentions the urgent need to act to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly at individual level because today 50% of emissions of greenhouse gases are the outcome of household behaviour. He says also « In fact, the solutions to the climate crisis are the same solutions that we can bring to the economic crisis and national security ». He therefore thinks that certain measures are necessary like making maximum use of renewable energy, or making cars that emit less pollution such as electric cars, for example. According to Al Gore, these are the main solutions to reduce CO2 emissions, and therefore greenhouse gases.

Conclusion
After a first viewing, we were really shocked by all the problems that humans have created in the world. Indeed, this documentary was really instructive. We think that it’s urgent to find some solutions to stop or slow down global warming. Al Gore presents us with the impact of global warming on the environment, and now, we are paying attention to everyday life habits. We hope that, with this project, we will find some solutions and we could help to change people’s behaviour.