Summarize with AI
What is fossil energy?
Mis à jour le
March 6, 2026
4
Min reading
Fossil energy remains to this day the type of energy most consumed by human beings. Produced by the combustion of natural gas, coal and oil, it is essential to ensure transport, electricity production, heating, the operation of factories...
Although they are essential, the environmental impact of these energies is not negligible. Indeed, fossil fuels are one of the main causes of CO emissions2. In addition, their reserves may run out at any moment.
What are fossil fuels?
Naturally present in the ground, fossil fuels are non-renewable energies. Indeed, they can only be reconstituted at the geological time scale once used.
It is, in fact, an energy produced from fossil fuels whose chemical compound is particularly rich in carbon and hydrogen. These fuels come from the transformation of organic matter that has been present in the soil for several million years.
Here is the list of fossil fuels and the formation of their deposits.
Coal
Coal is one of the main sources of fossil energy. Its slow and gradual formation is due to the rapid burial of trees and plant debris within sedimentary basins.
The majority of exploitable coals were formed around 300 to 360 million years ago, during the Carboniferous period, and more recently in the Tertiary era. Extracted in underground or open pit mines, this fuel has been exploited for centuries and is one of the major factors that contributed to the first industrial revolution in the 19th century.E century.
Oil and natural gas
The history of hydrocarbons goes back millions of years. In fact, organic matter is accumulated in the sediments of calm and poorly oxygenated places such as the bottoms of closed seas or lakes. These materials will subsequently be transformed into mud under the action of bacteria and finally become mother rocks because of the increase in temperature due to the gradual burial.
Oil and natural gas are formed as a result of this phenomenon. They migrate to the surface to concentrate in reservoir rocks surmounted by closed volumes. Although hydrocarbon deposits are relatively accessible, their exploitation is a long and technical process. After being located, they must be the subject of an exploration phase divided into several stages.
In addition, it should be noted that Crude oil cannot be used as is. This must first be transformed into fuels and other products necessary for the chemical and plastic industries using refining.
Note that there are other fossil fuels. Among others, there are Peat, shale gas, coal gas and lignite.
Why is it so difficult to do without fossil fuels?
Since the industrial revolution, human beings have constantly increased their energy needs. Cheaper than renewable energies, fossil fuels are very popular to meet energy demand.
For example, coal is the main source of electricity generation in emerging countries because of its low cost. Oil is also very attractive economically, because it is a fuel that is easily transportable and its price has fallen in recent years.
It is difficult to do without fossil fuels for several reasons. Although polluting, they remain essential to the daily life of the human being. Practical and easy to master, fossil fuels are mainly used in transport, industry and housing. They are also very popular for the production of electricity despite the continuous increase in renewable energies.
According to statistics from the BP Statistical Review of World Energy, fossil fuels represented more than 84% of the primary energy consumed in the world in 2019. According to the IEA, in its Global Energy Review, global energy consumption is expected to increase by around 4.6% in 2021 after a setback caused by the Covid-19 pandemic the previous year.
When will fossil fuels run out?
The future of fossil fuels is uncertain. Indeed, the latter are not considered to be An energy of the future. Non-renewable terrestrial resources take millions of years to form and the planet's reserves are not inexhaustible. These should run out before the end of the next century. if the current pace of energy consumption is maintained, according to the NGO Global Footprint Network.
There would be about 60 to 70 years left before the end of natural gas, 200 years before the end of coal, and 50 to 100 years before the end of oil.
What about the climate law?
The law” Climate and Resilience ” was enacted on August 22, 2021 and published in the Official Journal last August 24. It refers to the fight against climate change and the strengthening of resilience due to its effects. The reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases of 40% until 2030 is its main objective.
The climate law stipulates, among other things, the ban on advertising in favor of fossil fuels in 2022. The end of advertising planes at the end of 2022 was voted by the deputies and The ban on polluting cars will apply in 2028 upon amendment by the senators.
The first environmental displays will focus on ads for cars and household appliances. Mayors will be able to frame advertising screens in windows and voluntary local authorities will be able to benefit from the “Yes advertising” system.
Fossil fuels have numerous advantages, but also disadvantages. To limit their environmental impact, it is necessary to switch to renewables or to do energy renovation work to optimize its daily consumption.
Contact professionals to help you successfully complete your project from A to Z. Listening, we provide you with our expert advice on the actions to be implemented to maintain your business normally, but with less consumption. We also suggest the contract that best suits your needs and your situation.
To go further, read our article” What is renewable energy? ”
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The answers to your questions
What are the electricity offers offered by bellenergie Business?
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Why is Scope 2 crucial for CSR?
It allows you to prove your commitment to the energy transition and to meet regulatory requirements.
What is the difference between Scope 1 and Scope 2?
- Scope 1 concerns direct emissions (combustion on site),
- Scope 2 deals with indirect emissions related to purchased energy (electricity, steam).
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.
Quelles sont les nouvelles obligations pour le Décret Tertiaire et l'Audit Énergétique ?
Le calendrier 2026 impose deux échéances majeures :
- la déclaration des consommations 2025 sur la plateforme OPERAT avant le 30 septembre
- la réalisation d'un audit énergétique avant le 11 octobre pour toutes les entreprises consommant plus de 2,75 GWh/an.
Pour simplifier ces démarches, vous pouvez centraliser vos données de consommation avec la plateforme Pilott de Sirenergies, garantissant ainsi la conformité de vos rapports réglementaires.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
Quel est l'impact de ces exportations sur le prix de l'électricité pour les entreprises ?
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.
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.
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.
How do you calculate Scope 2 emissions?
To calculate Scope 2 emissions, use the following formula:
Energy quantity (kWh) × Emission factor (kg CO₂ e/kWh).
Use databases like ADEME for precision.
Comment mobiliser les collaborateurs autour d'un projet de sobriété énergétique ?
La réussite d'un projet collectif énergie repose sur trois piliers fondamentaux :
- La visibilité : On ne gère bien que ce que l'on mesure. Partager les données de consommation via des outils comme l'application Pilott donne un sens concret aux efforts fournis.
- L'incarnation : Nommer des ambassadeurs énergie internes permet de diffuser les bonnes pratiques par l'exemple et de lever les freins opérationnels propres à chaque métier.
- La gamification : Transformer la contrainte en défi (challenges inter-services, concours de l'équipe la plus sobre) crée une dynamique positive et renforce la cohésion d'équipe autour des enjeux RSE.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
The answers to your questions
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