Dania Piccioli, our Director Marketing and Communication, answers Qui est vert?

We have started the year by an interesting chat with Qui est vert? regarding the promotion of the energy transition. Check out the original interview here.

Here below we have translated it in English, enjoy the reading!

QuiEstVert gives the floor to its members!

Dania Piccioli, Marketing and Communication Director at Nvalue, answers our questions and gives us her vision of the energy transition of the European electricity mix.

Since 2008, Nvalue has positioned itself as a supplier of electricity from renewable sources through the marketing of Energy Attribute Certificates.

What place does the energy transition occupy in the fight against global warming?

The energy transition occupies a very important place in the fight against global warming. Firstly in terms of production: it is crucial to move towards production from renewable sources.

“The energy transition requires sustainable consumption in line with our resources […]”

However, what remains even more crucial in my opinion is that the energy transition goes through consumption: we must at all costs stop or change consumption habits that have an impact on our climate. This will necessarily involve efforts to optimize, but above all to reduce our consumption: energy optimization of buildings, heating, and travel habits, etc.

What is needed above all today is to adopt energy consumption that is sustainable and in line with the resources that are available today and that must still be available tomorrow.

What is your opinion on the situation of France in relation to the energy transition precisely?

Not being French, I will give an opinion with an outside eye.

France, like some of its European neighbors, is a geographically sprawling country with a rich history. In fact, there are a multitude of issues to consider. Among them, the production of electricity which depends mainly on nuclear energy. This distorts the perception of French consumers who do not necessarily feel concerned by electrical pollution… Which makes the subject all the more complex!

Nevertheless, I think that France could do much more in terms of infrastructure, communication and information with regard to energy efficiency and the reduction of consumption.

Let’s remember, however, that there are things that are being put in place. I am thinking in particular of the full production disclosure, which was recently adopted. It might be a matter of time before the full consumption disclosure will be also implemented.

What is your feeling about the government’s policy on this subject?

There are many interests at stake, therefore It is not that simple. If the government forces too much on one side – I mean here in favor of renewable energies, many actors will be impacted on the other (in employment, economic issues) …

So it seems complicated to me to be too radical and to consider changing everything overnight. On the other hand, I think that we have to confront and manage to reconcile all the interest groups… While implementing long-term solutions.

“[…] I think that we need a real incentive from the State, and full consumer disclosure is a very good tool to achieve this. »

In Switzerland, for example, we have set ourselves a total shutdown of nuclear power by 2050. In addition, the Swiss State has introduced the full consumption disclosure: the obligation for suppliers to transparently communicate to their clients the entire mix of energies that forms the electricity supply. For me, this is a very good thing since it helps consumers understand what they are really consuming, while showing them the benefits of consuming electricity from renewable sources.

Clearly, even if this requires complex reflections, I think that a real incentive from the State is needed, and full consumption disclosure is a very good tool to achieve this.

What can a French consumer who wants to act for the energy transition do?

To choose. Whatever the action (for electricity consumption, travel, etc.), choices must be made consciously. However, to choose well, information and knowledge is key…

In your opinion, are consumers sufficiently informed about their options?

Clearly not. This is an extremely complex and vast subject. I notice it as soon as I talk about my profession: the sector is generally very poorly understood, and as soon as we mention the question of Guarantees of Origin, I myself realize that it is a difficult concept to explain.

“The concept of the Guarantee of Origin is difficult to explain. »

To top it all off, before understanding all these topics, you must first understand the functioning (physical and legal) of the European electricity network.

For all these reasons, I think we have to start by stopping misinformation, then start a lot of educational work.

What to say to people who position themselves against the development of renewable energies (EnR)?

I would advise them to go to Beijing (or any other ultra-polluted megalopolis), and breathe the ambient air there. It should be easy to very quickly realize the difference in air quality and understand the interest of acting on our CO2 emissions.

Beyond any ideological question, we cannot deny the obvious.

Through what actions is NValue committed to the energy transition?

Since 2008, Nvalue has worked 100% in favor of the energy transition. In 13 years, we have witnessed the growth of the awareness towards the renewable energies and the development of the market.

On the supply side, we offer many services:

• We promote the consumption of green electricity through the Guarantees of Origin;
• We have increased the number of our services over the years and have diversified our customer portfolio, addressing both suppliers and end consumers;
• We also help customers in each of their steps: understanding the market, reducing CO2 emissions, implementing the market, etc. ;
• We have developed an offer around renewable gas, an offer that we are developing;
• Finally, we offer carbon-offset certificates.

In addition, last year we carried out our very first carbon assessment, which enabled us to put in place a certain number of abatement measures with our employees: promotion of the home office, optimization of travel, reduction of the consumption of energy, sponsorship of beehives…

Are there any developments, new products or services coming to Nvalue in the coming months/years?

Above all, we focus on innovation and the expansion of our international business: for the future, we want to increase our visibility and our presence in new markets.

We also cooperate with many labels to promote electricity from producers in line with our values.

And finally, we work to promote consumption on a monthly basis to European customers (and not just France  ).

The final word ?

We must choose and act!