Why renewable energy also drives up the electricity bill

The energy crisis particularly affects countries dependent on gas imports and reminds us that renewable energies are not yet the miracle solution for ensuring energy self-sufficiency.

One month before COP26, which is to set ambitious new climate targets, the world is facing an energy crisis, which inevitably affects consumers. Economic recovery, unfavorable weather, geopolitical tensions... there are many reasons for a surge in gas prices, but this crisis can also be explained by the current limits of renewable energies, especially in countries that have embarked on an ambitious transition.

Spain is thus bearing the full brunt of rising electricity bills due to its energy mix, which is largely made up of renewable energies. They represent nearly 40% of its production. In detail, wind power produces 20.5% of the country's electricity, ahead of hydroelectricity (9%), solar (5.4%) and bioenergy (2.5%). At the same time, nuclear power continues to represent 20% of production, while natural gas is used for 30% of the total and oil for almost 5%.

Heat stroke on solar power

Problem: heat waves in southern Europe temporarily shut down photovoltaic panels, which do not tolerate high temperatures well. In the same way, the permanent installation of a stable anticyclone paralyzed the wind turbines, for lack of wind. As a result, installations are not supplying enough and electricity prices in the country have been rising since the start of the year, so much so that the government agreed to lower VAT in July to reduce the impact on consumers. .

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In Germany, where electricity is the most expensive in Europe, this energy crisis has even put the debate on the switch from nuclear to renewables – which took place after the Fukushima disaster – back into the electoral campaign for the last legislative elections.

But price pressures are primarily the result of global factors. In a press release, the International Energy Agency also wanted to exculpate the role of renewables in the crisis.

100 billion investment over the next 15 years

Nevertheless, the increase in renewable energies will, in any case, have an impact on electricity bills as has again recently recalled the Energy Regulation Commission (CRE).

Because it is now necessary to modernize and adapt the complex electrical networks to meet new challenges, for example the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles. In this sense, Enedis and RTE, which deal with the distribution of electricity, anticipate major investments for the next 15 years: 33 billion euros planned for RTE and even 69 billion for Enedis.

Amounts that the taxpayer will have to pay, at least in part, because both RTE and Enedis are public companies. By 2024, the CRE therefore plans "an increase of around 15 euros in the annual bill of an individual". This amount, essential to ensure the energy transition, will be due. Regardless of electricity prices.

Prices of electricity and gas