Summarize with AI
How did energy make modern civilization possible?
Mis à jour le
January 26, 2026
7
Min reading
The discovery of energy has had a considerable impact on the evolution of human society. In the beginning, the first men only had their muscles to hunt, move, build shelters, and shape objects. Today, the discovery of energy has gradually led to the formation of a highly advanced modern civilization.
The energy supply provided mainly by fossil fuels now represents 80% of the world's primary energy production. Since the industrial revolution, the presence of energy has occupied a significant place in the life of human societies. Discover with SirEnergies what is the role played by energy in the rise of modern civilization.
The first sources of energy: from the discovery of fire to fossil coal
Around 400,000 BC, prehistoric humans succeeded in taming fire by using wood as the first fuel. This allowed him to warm up, to light up, to ward off wild animals and to cook his food. It was one of fundamental progress of mankind. Fire is in fact one of the first sources of energy discovered by man.
Between 9000 and 3300 BC, Neolithic humans began to domesticate animals and cultivate the land. Animals thus become a source of energy for transporting resources and for towing land. This makes daily work easier.
3,000 years before our era at the end of the Neolithic period, humans discovered a new source of energy: wind. Relying on the strength of the wind, they build the first sailing boats and set off to discover the world. This new means of transport facilitates river and maritime exchanges. 200 years before our era, The first windmills made their appearance among the Persians.
From Antiquity to the 19th century through the Middle Ages, wood was mankind's main source of energy. However, the abusive use of wood for metallurgy leads to the depletion of the resource in some regions. The men then turn to theone of the first sources of fossil fuels : Coal. It was the beginning of the industrial revolution.
The role of fossil fuel sources in the industrial revolution
At the end of the 18th century, the industrial revolution took off thanks to the combination of coal and steam. This made it possible to have an initial democratization of energy. It then becomes possible touse machine tools, to operate steamboats, locomotives, etc.
Coal
In the nineteenth century, coal allowed the transition from an agricultural society to an industrial society. Around 400 million years ago, in tropical forests and swamps, the decomposition of animals and plants formed carbon-rich layers of debris. These lodged in sedimentary rocks to form fossil coal.
It is considered to be fossil energy in the same way as oil and natural gas. The richest coal deposits are found in America and Europe.
This material became the main source of energy in the 18th century. At that time, about 300 tons of coal were extracted per year. This production increased to 1 million tons 200 years later.
The steam engine
Built in 1762 by the British engineer James Watt, The steam engine rotary motion will play a big role in the industrial revolution and the creation of a modern civilization. Steam energy is used in workshops, spinning mills, farms for operate agricultural machinery. The installation of the steam engine in factories and blast furnaces subsequently led to an explosion in industrial productivity.
In the last quarter of the 18th century, steam power and coal encouraged the growth of the British economy. The 1780s saw the democratization of steamboats on rivers and canals. In 1820, the first steamboats went to sea for international connections across the Atlantic and overseas.
The first steam trains made their entrance with the invention of the machine. Indeed, there was a need to transport iron and coal ores extracted from the mines quickly. La The first locomotive was therefore created in 1804 to pull coal cars into coal mines.
In 1825, the Stephenson brothers created a locomotive that could pull a train weighing nearly 90 tons over 70 m in length. Railways transformed the European landscape in a short time, leading at the same time to Creation of the modern world as we know it.
New energy sources and their impact on the evolution of modern civilization
In the 19th century, coal became the The world's main source of energy. However, it was still difficult to transport. It was therefore important to transform it into energy that is neither heavy nor bulky and that can be exploited at any time. This problem has led to the development of new energies that have shaped the modern world.
Electricity
In 1867, the dynamo was invented by the German Werner von Siemens. First efficient electric motor, the dynamo is a generator that allows you to transform Mechanical energy into electricity. The first power plants were inaugurated in 1882.
With a simple cable, Electric power is now delivered everywhere in Europe. Electric lamps are replacing gas burners in our cities. Years later, the light bulb was perfected by Thomas Edison for better home use. In factories, steam engines are gradually being replaced by electric motors.
Oil
In 1871, Germany specialized in purifying iron to make steel. This favors the arms race and the proliferation of wars. At the time, to operate large warships such as battleships, fuel was needed that was lighter and more energetic than traditional coal.
That's where the scene comes in Black gold: oil. Like coal, oil comes from decomposition of organic matter within the rocks. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons that has been known since ancient times.
The manufacture of the first internal combustion engines and diesel engines around 1890 led to the development of aviation and the automobile in the military and civil fields. These inventions will revolutionize human lifestyles. Because of its very unequal distribution across the globe and because of its great importance, oil will cause many economic and military conflicts. The most affected are developing countries whose subsoil is full of this resource.
Oil is the last cheap energy that powered and continues to power the modern world as we know it today. The exponential increase in its price with Oil shocks from 1973 to 1979 did not affect the use of this energy source. In the 20th century, oil became the main source of energy for naval and air transport.
Solar energy
The Sun is one of the largest sources of energy on the planet. According to several studies, the Earth receives in one hour more Of solar energy that she won't be able to use in a year. Life on Earth depends essentially on this star.
Contrary to popular belief, the exploitation of solar energy did not start with modernization. Ancient civilizations used construction techniques that allowed them tostore the sun's heat the day to keep the house warm during the night. True solar technology was developed in the 1950s. Thanks to Photovoltaic cells or solar panels, it is now possible to convert The energy of the sun in electricity.
Today, numerous innovations have been made in the sector. Humanity now generates enough solar energy to power cars, boats, airplanes, and to power homes and buildings. The Sun is considered to be a green energy that will be able to replace fossil energy in a few years, includingimpact on the climate starting to weigh a bit heavy.
Other energy sources
Apart from the energy sources mentioned above, humanity has been able to rely on many other energies to promote the modernization of societies. Examples include wind energy, natural gas, hydraulic power, nuclear energy, etc.
Wind energy
This renewable energy can be extracted from air masses. She was used in the 20th century for the production of electricity. Large wind turbines appeared in the nineties with the increase in electricity demand. Wind turbines are the second renewable energy source after the sun.
Do not hesitate to read our article on offshore wind.
Hydraulic power
Hydraulic power is manufactured from the kinetic energy of water forcibly arriving on turbines associated with alternators. Many dams are now built in sites with a large volume of water. The number of hydroelectric dams on the globe is constantly growing today with theincrease in global needs in electricity.
The gas
Natural gas is also a fossil fuel with a predominance of methane. It consists largely of hydrocarbons. It is sometimes found in the same place as oil. Natural gas started to generate interest from 1950.
Designated as a fossil fuel that is less polluting than oil, it is increasingly used today in many fields. According to several studies, it could play an important role in what is known as the energy transition. Gas is currently a strategic source of energy. Many countries are seeking to free themselves from this energy dependence of major producers.
Nuclear energy
Nuclear energy was highlighted through the Discovery of radioactivity and the property of certain atoms that can break to release a large amount of energy. It is a modern energy source that will be developed in the coming years.
With a modern civilization in constant evolution, the major challenge for energy concerns our ability to control global energy consumption while giving more space to renewables. These must become more dominant in our energy systems in order to better meet the constantly growing need for energy. Today, the energy transition represents the cornerstone of fight against climate change.
It is in this context that SirEnergies offers specialized support to VSEs, SMEs and SMIs in their energy transition. Indeed, we help you find an energy supplier adapted to your situation. Our role is mainly to analyze your type of consumption in order to offer you the ideal actions for consume less while continuing your activity.
To go further, do not hesitate to consult our article on The great inventors of the world of energy.
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The answers to your questions
Quel est l'impact de ces exportations sur le prix de l'électricité pour les entreprises ?
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L'abondance de production française tire les prix du marché de gros vers le bas.
En vertu du mécanisme de l'Ordre de Mérite (Merit Order), les centrales les moins coûteuses (nucléaire, renouvelables) couvrent la demande plus souvent, évinçant les centrales à gaz ou charbon plus onéreuses.
Cela multiplie les épisodes de prix bas, voire négatifs, sur le marché spot.
Comment l'eau est-elle transformée en électricité ?
Le processus repose sur l'utilisation de la force de l'eau (énergie cinétique) issue des courants, des chutes d'eau ou des dénivelés. Le fonctionnement suit trois étapes clés :
- Le barrage retient l'eau et l'oriente vers des conduites.
- La pression de l'eau fait tourner une turbine, créant de l'énergie mécanique.
- Une génératrice (alternateur) transforme cette énergie mécanique en électricité, laquelle est ensuite adaptée par un transformateur pour le réseau
Quelle est la différence entre un prix Forward et un prix Spot ?
Le prix Forward est fixé à l'avance (sécurité budgétaire), tandis que le prix Spot varie heure par heure selon le marché (opportunité mais risque élevé).
Pourquoi mon contrat est-il en kVA et ma consommation en kWh ?
Le kVA mesure la capacité maximale que votre compteur peut supporter à un instant T, tandis que le kWh mesure la quantité d'énergie consommée sur une durée.
How do I get a tax exemption?
Some businesses may obtain a partial or total exemption from the TICFE or the TICGN, depending on their activity and energy intensity. The support of an expert makes it possible to identify the eligibility criteria and to put together the file.
Pourquoi le seuil de 78 €/MWh est-il critiqué par les experts ?
Ce seuil est jugé élevé par rapport aux prévisions actuelles du marché. Si le prix de l'électricité reste en dessous de 78 €/MWh, les entreprises ne bénéficieront d'aucune redistribution. Cela signifie que la protection promise par la réforme pourrait être inexistante dans un marché baissier, d'où l'importance de stratégies de sourcing agiles et d'outils de monitoring comme Pilott.
Quels sont les cas d'usage concrets des différents types d'IA pour un acheteur d'énergie ?
Chaque modèle d'IA répond à un besoin spécifique du cycle d'achat :
- L’IA générative sert d'assistant de recherche pour synthétiser en quelques minutes des rapports de marché massifs (veille stratégique).
- L’IA déterministe est l'outil de la fiabilité : elle est indispensable pour le forecast (prévision de consommation) car ses calculs sont mathématiques et reproductibles.
- L’IA probabiliste est dédiée à la gestion des risques : elle simule des scénarios (ex: météo, stocks) pour quantifier l'incertitude sur les budgets futurs.
L'expertise humaine reste néanmoins indispensable.
Quelle est la différence concrète entre le transport et la distribution d'électricité ?
Le transport (RTE) correspond aux "autoroutes" de l’électricité. Il s’agit de transporter de très grandes quantités d'énergie sur de longues distances, depuis les centrales de production (nucléaires, barrages, parcs éoliens offshore) vers les régions de consommation.
La distribution (Enedis) s'apparente aux "routes départementales" et aux rues. Elle récupère l'électricité à la sortie du réseau de transport pour la livrer directement chez le client final, en abaissant la tension pour qu'elle soit utilisable par vos appareils.
Pourquoi le kVA est-il crucial pour les entreprises ?
Parce que la puissance souscrite en kVA détermine le prix de l'abonnement et que tout dépassement peut entraîner des surcoûts importants.
L'hydroélectricité est-elle une énergie "propre" ?
Oui, elle est considérée comme une énergie renouvelable à faibles émissions de gaz à effet de serre.
De plus, l'eau ne subit aucune transformation chimique durant le cycle de production et réintègre son milieu naturel en aval.
Cependant, la construction de barrages nécessite des mesures pour protéger les écosystèmes (débit minimum, passes à poissons).
Qu'est-ce que le dispositif VNU qui remplace l'ARENH en 2026 ?
La Vente de Nucléaire Universelle (VNU) est le nouveau mécanisme de régulation des prix de l'électricité en France. Contrairement à l'ARENH, il ne s'agit plus d'un volume fixe à prix réduit, mais d'une redistribution financière des revenus excédentaires d'EDF aux consommateurs, basée sur les prix de marché et les coûts de production du nucléaire historique.
How to optimize the taxes and contributions of a community?
Communities are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies analyzes invoices, identifies exemption possibilities and fixes possible errors to reduce the tax burden.
Why launch an energy tender?
Un appel d’offres permet de mettre en concurrence plusieurs fournisseurs d’électricité et de gaz afin d’obtenir des conditions contractuelles optimisées. C’est une démarche transparente qui permet de choisir l’offre la plus adaptée aux besoins budgétaires et techniques de l’organisation.
What are the main taxes applicable?
Among the taxes include TICFE, TICGN, CTA, CJA and TURPE. They represent a significant part of the bill and vary according to consumption profiles. Understanding them well is essential to optimize costs.
Quel sera l'impact réel du VNU sur ma facture d'électricité professionnelle ?
L'impact dépendra des prix de marché. Le mécanisme prévoit une redistribution si les prix dépassent 78 €/MWh. Cependant, si les cours restent bas (actuellement autour de 60 €/MWh), le dispositif ne s'activera pas. La facture sera alors indexée à 100% sur les prix de marché, rendant le choix du fournisseur et du moment d'achat critiques.
What is the main objective of the Multiannual Energy 3 Programming?
The central objective of PPE 3 is to engage France towards carbon neutrality by 2050 by breaking the country's historical dependence on fossil fuels.
Today, approximately 60% of final energy consumption in France still relies on imported oil and natural gas. PPE 3 aims to radically reverse this trend by setting an ambitious target: to reach 60% of carbon-free energies in final consumption by 2030.
To achieve this, PPE 3 pursues three major sub-objectives:
- Massive decarbonization: Replace fossil fuels with low-carbon electricity or renewable heat in industry, transport and buildings.
- Energy sovereignty: Reduce the national energy bill (around 60 billion euros per year) and get rid of the volatility of the global gas and oil markets.
- Economic competitiveness: Guarantee businesses and households access to stable, abundant and predictable energy at a predictable cost, disconnected from geopolitical crises.
What are the customer reviews on bellenergie Business's customer service?
In 2025, the supplier had a NPS (Net Promoter Score) of +16 and a note of 4,17/5.
Satisfaction is based on a “zero solicitation” model and 100% in-house customer service in Toulon, guaranteeing proximity and responsiveness that cannot be found with major historical suppliers.
What is the point of following Spot & Forward prices?
This makes it possible to choose the right time to contract, secure your budgets and anticipate increases.
Quel est le nouveau record 2025 d'exportation d'électricité de la France ?
En 2025, la France a atteint un solde exportateur net de 92,3 TWh, battant le précédent record de 2024 (89 TWh).
What is the difference between €/MWh and kWh?
The €/MWh is a price unit used in wholesale markets, while kWh is the unit visible on your bills.
What is the Multiannual Energy Programming (PPE)?
La Multiannual Energy Programming (PPE) is the strategic management tool for France's energy policy. Established by the 2015 law on energy transition for green growth (LTECV), it serves as a compass for the State, communities and businesses.
Concretely, the PPE sets the priorities for action of the public authorities for the management of all forms of energy on the national territory. It covers a period of ten years, divided into two periods of five years, and must be revised periodically to adapt to technological and economic developments.
It deals with major topics such as:
- Security of supply.
- Improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption.
- The development of renewable and recovered energies.
- The electrical production strategy (nuclear, thermal, etc.).
- The balanced development of networks and storage.
It is crucial not to confuse it with National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC). While SNBC sets carbon budgets (the ceilings for greenhouse gas emissions by sector), the PPE determines the technical and energy resources to achieve them.
Mon entreprise peut-elle tirer profit des nouvelles Heures Creuses (11h-17h)?
Absolument. La réforme des heures creuses vise à absorber la surproduction solaire en milieu de journée. Les créneaux d'heures creuses se déplacent progressivement vers la plage 11h00 – 17h00, notamment en été. C'est une opportunité majeure pour les sites industriels ou tertiaires capables de flexibilité.
Conseil stratégique :
- Pilotage de la charge : Si vous avez des processus énergivores (fours, broyeurs, recharge de flotte de véhicules électriques, production de froid), déplacez leur fonctionnement sur la pause méridienne. L'électricité y sera moins chère et moins carbonée.
- Autoconsommation : C'est le moment idéal pour coupler cette tarification avec une installation photovoltaïque en toiture ou en ombrière de parking. Vous effacez votre consommation réseau au moment où le tarif serait le plus avantageux, ou vous profitez des prix bas du réseau si votre production ne suffit pas.
Is Bellenergie Business electricity really green?
Yes. The supplier guarantees an offer 100% renewable via the official Guarantees of Origin (GO) mechanism.
For the most demanding companies, the offer GREENVOLT+ ensures very low carbon intensity electricity, sourced exclusively from independent French producers (hydraulic, wind, solar).
What are the electricity offers offered by bellenergie Business?
The range E @sy is available in four pricing structures to adapt to each risk profile:
- E @sy Fixed: 100% budget visibility without variation.
- E @sy Click: Smoothed price thanks to staggered purchases on the markets.
- E @sy Block + Spot: A mix between a secure base and a portion indexed to daily prices.
- E @sy Sport: A 100% dynamic offer to take advantage of downside opportunities in real time.
What taxes are particularly relevant to manufacturers?
The industry is concerned by TICFE, TICGN and other contributions that may represent an important part of invoices. Sirenergies identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to benefit from them.
How to optimize taxes and contributions?
Tertiary companies are concerned by taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies checks the accuracy of invoices, identifies possible exemptions, and helps correct errors to sustainably reduce costs.
What are the consequences of overpowering?
Exceeding capacity leads to financial penalties and can impact the size of the contract. Adjust the correctly subscribed power makes it possible to avoid these additional costs.
L'IA remplace-t-elle les analystes en énergie ?
Non. L'IA traite la donnée (data processing), mais l'analyste apporte la compréhension du contexte (market sentiment) et la prise de décision stratégique.
Pourquoi ma facture de gaz va-t-elle augmenter en 2026 ?
L'augmentation s'explique par la revalorisation de l'Accise sur le gaz à 16,39 €/MWh et la hausse de 3,41 % du tarif de transport (ATRT 8).
S'y ajoute l'entrée en vigueur des Certificats de Production de Biogaz (CPB), un nouveau coût réglementaire pour soutenir le biométhane.
Face à ces évolutions, Sirenergies vous accompagne dans l'achat de gaz naturel pour sécuriser vos prix malgré la volatilité du marché.
How do I read an electricity or gas bill?
One invoice consists of several elements: consumption, supplier share, taxes and contributions. The analysis of each line makes it possible to identify possible errors and to check the consistency with the signed contract.
Which taxes are particularly relevant for farms?
Farms are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies verifies their application, identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to reduce the tax burden.
Pourquoi la France a-t-elle exporté un volume record d'électricité en 2025 ?
Ce record de 92,3 TWh s'explique par la conjonction de trois facteurs :
- Le redressement du parc nucléaire : Après les problèmes de corrosion sous contrainte de 2022, la production nucléaire a retrouvé une forte disponibilité (373 TWh).
- L'essor des renouvelables : Une capacité installée en hausse (solaire et éolien) et une production hydraulique solide.
- Une consommation intérieure atone : La demande française reste inférieure de 6 % à la moyenne historique, créant un surplus massif disponible pour nos voisins.
Pourquoi le mécanisme de capacité a-t-il été créé ?
Instauré en 2017, ce dispositif répond à un enjeu de sécurité nationale.
L'électricité ne se stockant pas à grande échelle, le réseau doit être capable de répondre instantanément à la demande, même lors des pics de froid hivernaux. Le mécanisme incite financièrement les producteurs à maintenir leurs centrales disponibles et les entreprises à réduire leur consommation (effacement) lors de ces périodes critiques.
What are the PP1 and PP2 alert days?
These are signals sent by RTE during periods of tension on the electrical network. The Sirenergies tool informs you in real time to anticipate your uses.
Pourquoi l'IA ne peut-elle pas prédire le prix de l'énergie avec exactitude ?
Car les marchés dépendent de facteurs exogènes imprévisibles (géopolitique, météo soudaine, politique) que les modèles basés sur l'historique ne peuvent pas anticiper, tout comme on ne prédit pas le Loto.
What is energy sourcing?
Sourcing consists in identifying and analysing the offers of several electricity and gas suppliers. This approach makes it possible to obtain contracts adapted to the consumption profile and budgetary constraints of the company.
Qu'est-ce qui remplace l'ARENH depuis le 1er janvier 2026 ?
Le dispositif ARENH a laissé place au VNU (Versement Nucléaire Universel).
Ce changement structurel expose davantage les entreprises aux prix de gros, rendant la gestion des risques plus complexe qu'auparavant.
Il devient alors indispensable de définir une stratégie d'achat d'électricité avec Sirenergies pour lisser l'impact de la volatilité des marchés sur votre budget.
Quel est l'impact réel de la rénovation de l'éclairage public ?
C'est le levier le plus rapide pour obtenir des résultats visibles. L'éclairage représente environ 40 % de la consommation d'électricité d'une commune.
Passer au LED avec pilotage intelligent permet de réduire la facture de 50 à 80 %, avec un retour sur investissement (ROI) rapide, souvent estimé à 2 ou 3 ans.
Fin de l'ARENH au 31 décembre 2025 : comment sécuriser mon budget énergie pour 2026?
La fin de l'ARENH (Accès Régulé à l'Électricité Nucléaire Historique) marque l'arrêt de la fourniture d'électricité à prix fixe garanti (42 €/MWh).
Dès le 1er janvier 2026, les entreprises sont exposées aux prix de marché, mais deux nouveaux mécanismes de régulation prennent le relais, bien que leur logique soit différente :
- Le Versement Nucléaire Universel (VNU) : Ce n'est pas un tarif d'achat, mais un mécanisme de redistribution a posteriori. Si les prix de marché de l'électricité nucléaire dépassent un certain seuil (environ 78 €/MWh selon les estimations pour 2026), EDF reversera 50 % des revenus excédentaires aux consommateurs. Attention : Si les prix de marché restent modérés (sous les 78 €/MWh), le VNU ne se déclenche pas. Il agit comme une assurance contre les flambées extrêmes, pas comme un tarif bas garanti.
- Les CAPN (Contrats d'Allocation de Production Nucléaire) : Réservés aux industriels électro-intensifs, ces contrats de long terme (10-15 ans) permettent de réserver une part de la production nucléaire en échange d'une participation aux coûts du parc. Ils offrent une visibilité sur le long terme pour 50 à 70 % des volumes consommés.
Conseil stratégique : Ne comptez pas sur le VNU pour réduire votre facture en 2026 si les marchés restent stables. Auditez vos contrats dès maintenant pour intégrer une part de prix fixe ou explorer des "Power Purchase Agreements" (PPA) pour sécuriser vos coûts sur le long terme.
How to properly define your subscribed power?
The subscribed power must be calculated according to the consumption profile and uses (heating, industrial processes, tertiary equipment). One fine analysis makes it possible to ensure the adequacy between real need and contract.
Qu'est-ce que le cosinus phi
C'est l'indicateur d'efficacité d'un appareil électrique ; il représente le ratio entre la puissance active (utile) et la puissance apparente (totale).
What are the challenges for tertiary companies?
Tertiary companies must manage their energy costs while guaranteeing the comfort of users (offices, shops, services). Consumption is often linked to heating, air conditioning and lighting, which requires precise monitoring to avoid budgetary excesses.
The answers to your questions
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