01. Definition

What is the energy crisis?

The energy crisis stems from the foreseeable end of the cycle of oil, gas and coal, which, in addition, have been producing a considerable increase in greenhouse gases (GHG).

In recent years, many scientists have raised their voice to warn about climate change, caused notably by the burning of oil and coal in order to produce energy.

02. Causes

Energy crisis causes

Global energy consumption is increasing and we will face a shortage of fossil fuels in the coming decades. Therefore, the availability of reserves is an important source of concern.

Overconsumption: our current consumption model relies almost entirely on the use of non-renewable energy sources such as oil, gas, coal and uranium. At the current rate of consumption, oil will be the first fossil fuel to run out. According to projections, there would be between 40 and 60 years of proven reserves of conventional oil. Natural gas could be exploited for another 70 years. For coal, there would be around two centuries of reserves.
Overpopulation: these data are to be put into perspective because they are based on current consumption, while it is clear that it will increase considerably. Energy demands are and will be amplified by the demographic - the world’s population should reach nearly 10 billion people in 2050 - and economic boom of growing areas. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand could increase by more than 50% by 2030 in the absence of public policies in this area.
Aging infrastructure: another reason for energy shortage and scarcity is the poor infrastructure of power generating equipment. Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production. The need to upgrade the infrastructure and set a high standard of performance is critical.
Energy waste: mainly coming from the unnecessary use of energy resources, energy waste describes the wastage of energy sources, in particular fuels and electricity. Consequently, the reduction of waste is a colossal source of energy savings, which requires actions both on an individual and collective level.

03. Impacts

Energy crisis effects

Environmental: the massive use of traditional energy sources leads - among other things - to the increase of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting in global warming and harming the environment and biodiversity. Therefore, the energy crisis is closely linked to the environmental crisis.
Economic and socio-political: energy security is one of the major concerns of the main economic centers of the planet. In fact, energy conditions the possibility of growth, which is essential to the market economy and its development model. The energy crisis could thus have a dramatic impact on the global economy. Besides, when energy markets fail, an energy shortage develops. Energy shortages and resulting economic factors may create socio-political issues.

04. Solutions

Energy crisis solutions

The Solar Impulse Label is granted to innovative solutions to energy crisis that meet high standards of sustainability and profitability. Each solution goes through a strict assessment process performed by independent experts.

Mar 2021

Daba'Go

A solution for transport providers in large developing cities

Mobility

Apr 2023

Sun-Ways

A removable solar power plant placed between the rails of a railroad, allowing to exploit large unused surfaces

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions

Oct 2024

immofix

An all-in-one process to buy an energy-guzzling house and turn it into an energy-efficient home.

Buildings & Constructions

Aug 2021

Eturnity Renewable Software Solution

A software solution to support sales representatives in the energy field during the lifecycle of a new renewable energy system

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions
Mobility

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Vertuoz Control by ENGIE implemented by Department of Loir-et-Cher in Blois (France) in 2019

Micro Hydro Turbine by POWERTURBINES implemented by Aqualia in Merida (Spain) in 2024

SOLARBOX by Sun Soak Design implemented by Stephano Immo in Brussels (Belgium) in 2021

Ennobox by E-nno Switzerland SA implemented by Edmond de Rothschild in Many cities (Switzerland) in 2021

Akeptus by Akeptus™ implemented by Ben and Jerry’s in South Burlington (United States) in 2021

InteliPipes by Cann Forecast implemented by regional municipality of Peel in Mississauga (Canada) in 2021

Variable Volume Reservoir (VVR) by Smart Reservoir implemented by MBI Global - VersaDrill in Val d'Or (Canada) in 2007

QED Naval Limited and Tocardo Turbines by QED Naval Limited implemented by EU Interreg Tiger Project and ORE Catapult in Yarmouth (United Kingdom) in 2023

CoolRoof by Cool Roof France implemented by Brico Dépôt in Brive-la-Gaillarde (France) in 2021

CoolRoof by Cool Roof France implemented by Pullman Dakar Teranga Hotel in Dakar (Senegal) in 2021

Li-Cycle Technology by LI-CYCLE CORP. implemented by Glencore in Toronto (Canada) in 2024

HECLA(R) Setores 1.000 and 1.500 by AquaGreen implemented by Odsherred Electric Utility Company in Odsherred (Denmark) in 2022

HECLA(R) Setores 1.000 and 1.500 by AquaGreen implemented by Lemvig Vand in Harboøre (Denmark) in 2024

PV energy harvesters for IoTs by FLEXWAVE Co., Ltd implemented by Microprogram Information CO., LTD. in Taipei (Taiwan) in 2019

Synhelion Solar Fuels by Synhelion SA implemented by CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. in Zurich (Switzerland) in 2020

Synhelion Solar Fuels by Synhelion SA implemented by Wood in Jülich (Germany) in 2021

06. Conclusion

Energy crisis prevention

The good news is that there are ways to reduce the energy crisis:

Energy transition to renewable energy sources: unlike fossil fuels, some energy sources are totally renewable, and do not emit greenhouse gases. These clean and sustainable alternative energy solutions include solar energy, hydropower, wind energy, geothermal energy and biomass energy.
Energy efficiency and conservation: in order to prevent an energy crisis, it is also crucial that we consume less energy by improving and modernising energy infrastructure such as smart grid solutions, and smart cities. It is also important that we replace old devices by energy efficient solutions, such as replacing traditional light bulbs by LEDs.

Connect with us

Any questions

Feel free to get in touch with us
pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com

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