The Renewable Energies in the Digital Era
Résumé
Energy is a strategic sector in France. The concept of energy transition has favored the development of renewable energies. In the traditional energy model, a few large groups, resulting into an oligopoly situation, control the market. Systems based on renewable energies, on the other hand, can be deployed in a decentralized way. The concept of Renewable Energy Ecosystem (REE) is then relevant in order to think about the transition. This emerging ecosystem relies heavily on innovation, including start-ups. However, the risks posed by innovation and technology are significant; they favor start-up failures and limit the investments of venture capitalists and business angels in the ecosystem. We propose the principles of a risk assessment approach related to innovation, which takes into consideration the characteristics of the ecosystem, the role of economic models, and finally, the role of digital in accelerating the energy transition.