La compétitivité de la France au sein de l’Europe. Politiques de filières : le cas de l’Énergie

Although the low-carbon transition shifts the balance within the ‟energy trilemma" towards environmental imperatives, industrial issues are nevertheless an essential component. Without engaging in a wide-ranging sectoral discussion, we propose to review the conditions for the structuring of two energy sectors in the 20th century, oil and nuclear power, and then to set out some of the elements of a set of specifications for the emergence of a hydrogen sector in the 21st century. This ‟exercise" allows us to reveal both permanencies (an effort throughout the chain value, including training) and differences (the rules of competition within Europe and in globalization). Beyond France, if Europeans already have industrial assets, the construction of a hydrogen industry will involve a very long-term effort, with limited effects on the European Union's environmental objectives in 2030. We are convinced that the construction of a hydrogen industry will serve as a test of the capacity of a Union, in search of sovereignty, to be consistent over the long term.