18 November 2023

14:50 – 15:35

Amphithéâtre Painlevé

Stephane Sarrade

Stephane Sarrade is a Polytech Montpellier engineer and holds a PhD in Process Engineering. Involved for many years in the development of processes for green chemistry, his field of research covers the use of supercritical fluids and membrane processes. After completing his doctorate, he joined the CEA in 1995, and went on to manage research and development units at Pierrelatte, Marcoule and Saclay, in the fields of process engineering, analytical chemistry and nuclear waste treatment and conditioning. Since 2006, he has chaired Innovation Fluides Supercritiques, a structure that brings together French and international laboratories and manufacturers involved in sustainable processes. Currently Director of Research at CEA, Stéphane Sarrade is also Director of Energy Programs within the Energy Division. This department oversees all R&D programs at CEA in the field of low-carbon energies: nuclear and renewable. More than 2,200 CEA engineers, researchers and technicians are involved in this field. Stéphane Sarrade is the author of a number of essays and popular science books, which have won awards and been translated into several languages.

Conference: What kind of future is desirable for Homo energeticus?

Repeated heatwaves, recurrent droughts, extreme climatic events, catastrophic fires… Each passing year heralds new disastrous records. What science teaches us is that facts are stubborn and that a theory to explain a phenomenon has no value until it is validated by experience. Climate change is a reality, and its consequences are perceptible. In response to this, the terms “sobriety” and “energy transition” are appearing with increasing frequency in political and media discourse. But beyond words, how can modern societies meet the challenges posed by the energy question? While we’ve been addicted to energy for thousands of years, the reality today is alarming: it’s the most polluting sector. Industry, transport, housing… we need to completely rethink our way of life. To curb global warming, we urgently need to decarbonize the way we use energy. This requires an integrated vision, involving the convergence of renewable energies and nuclear power. Deconsumption rather than degrowth is the answer to the UN target of zero net emissions by 2050. By consuming less and consuming better, we will be able to reduce our impact on the environment.