Session 1

Basics on Energy

Abstract

The Session 1 introduces the physical definition of energy, the essential role of energy in our life, society and industrialized economy illustrated by the worldwide Energy Mix since 1800.

Course Outline

0:00
Introduction
01:00
1:00
Quiz on Energy
00:30
1:30
Break
00:15
1:45
Basics on Energy
01:15

Key Learnings

A very fast growth for 200 years

  • Energy consumption multiplied x30 since 1800.
  • Very large diversification of the energy sources enabled this growth.
  • Very fast growth of energy consumption since 2000: +40%.
  • Coal is the fastest growing source of energy since 2000.

Fossil fuels = 80% of the Energy in the world

  • Fossil fuels are oil, coal and natural gas and the top 3 sources of energy.
  • Fossil fuels represent 80% of the world primary energy mix.
  • Oil: 31%, Coal: 25%, Natural Gas: 23%
  • Traditional Biomass: 6%, Hydro: 6%, Nuclear: 4%, Wind: 2%, Solar: 1%.

Energy Mix

France Energy Mix:

  • Oil is the 1st source of energy in France, 42%.
  • Natural Gas is the 2nd source in France, 21%
  • Nuclear is the 3rd source, 17%. It is the 1st source of electricity, 70%.
  • Electricity accounts for 24% of France final energy consumption.

Common Misconceptions:

  • Sources of energy have not replaced each other, they added up.
  • No energy is "clean": all generate pollutions & risks.
  • Natural gas is a fossil fuel: its exploitation emits much CO2 and CH4.
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Energy Conversion Table

Human activities do not "produce" nor "consume" energy.

Human activities convert energy from one form to another.

Energy & Economy Correlation

There is a very strong correlation between the GDP and the quantity of energy input in the economy.

The Toaster Challenge

How much energy does it take to toast a slice of bread? Human body ability to generate energy is very small compared to our daily 'consumption': how many Roberts do you need ?

Energetic Slaves

Massive economic gains were enabled thanks to the quantity of energy mobilized by machines vs. human work and their low-cost compared to human cost.

"Energetic slaves" is a provocative concept developed by Jean-Marc Jancovici illustrating them well: the individual average energy consumption in rich countries is such that it would require several hundred energetic slaves, had it been produced by human beings.

Steam, Electric & Combustion Engine

The 3 major engines are: steam, electric and internal combustion.

Discover how these engines work in motion!

Student Projects

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Speaker

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Workshops

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Focus

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Pedagogical Note

The Session 1 alternates many formats to create a dynamic and interactive course for the students: quiz, video and lectures.