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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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.

May 2020

Use case available

Hydrogen electric powertrain for aviation

A zero-emission hydrogen-electric propulsion retrofitting solution for aviation

Mobility
Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Feb 2024

WaltApp

A SaaS for assessing, optimizing, renovating, and monitoring HVAC installations

Buildings & Constructions

Dec 2023

Use case available

Paragon Pod

Mobile and flexible energy & EV charging solutions for short and long term needs

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

Apr 2022

PURE-CUT®

A metal working method that reduces health risks, water pollution &CO2 emissions while improving productivity

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Hydrogen electric powertrain for aviation by ZeroAvia implemented by Royal Schiphol Group in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2021

Paragon Pod by Paragon Mobility implemented by Vestas France in Sancheville (France) in 2020

Bioreactor BioRenGaz by BioRenGaz implemented by Seppi Gaz in Issenheim (France) in 2024

ECOAZUR® by Intellinox inc implemented by Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington (United States) in 2022

Enverse SkyBridge by Enverse implemented by Hinckley Recycling in Lagos (Nigeria) in 2024

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

Lepido by Enjay AB implemented by Burger King Scandinavia in Malmö (Sweden) in 2021

INERGYS GreenPack by INERGYS implemented by Centre d’ Essais Climatiques de l’Aigoual in Mont Aigoual (France) in 2024

Zypho® by Aliaxis implemented by Premier Inn Hotel in Douglas (Isle of Man) in 2019

Urban Smart Ecopark by Obwstreetstyle implemented by City of Angers in Angers (France) in 2019

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Upgrade Real Estate in Ghent (Belgium) in 2022

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Wind Groep in Lemmer (Netherlands) in 2023

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Bowersox Investment Group in Clarksville (United States) in 2023

Moduly Nødz by Moduly implemented by Alabama Power in Birmingham (United States) in 2023

Low Energy Data Storage System by Swiss Vault implemented by University of Binghamton in Binghamton (United States) in 2023

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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