Solutions to the energy crisis

How to achieve sustainable energy?

Over the last two centuries, energy needs have skyrocketed dramatically, especially because of the transportation and industry sectors. However, fossil fuel are polluting and their reserves are limited. We know today that these resources are close to exhaustion and our societies are facing a major challenge: the energy crisis.

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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Multifunctional Roof Edge (MRE)
Dec 2019
Use case available

Multifunctional Roof Edge (MRE)

A modular all-in-one roof edge system to maximise buildings flat roof potential

  • Buildings & Constructions
  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Pressure Focusing Layer (PFL) process
Nov 2020

Pressure Focusing Layer (PFL) process

Design special molds for the manufacture of thermoset and thermoplastic composites

  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
APP IQSPOT
Nov 2023

APP IQSPOT

A SaaS platform for an immediate and lasting impact on your real estate assets

  • Buildings & Constructions
  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
SMART OFFICE FOR SPACE REDUCTION
Jan 2022

SMART OFFICE FOR SPACE REDUCTION

A software to optimise and improve the use of space in buildings

  • Buildings & Constructions
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Multifunctional Roof Edge (MRE) by ANERDGY implemented by Anerdgy in Voreppe (France) in 2020

Urbio - AI software by Urbio implemented by Resolia in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium) in 2023

APT-HP™ High-power plasma torch by PyroGenesis Inc. implemented by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden in Lulea (Sweden) in 2020

KLIMA-PUR by INDRESMAT implemented by Port Ginesta in Castelldefels (Spain) in 2023

WAISENSE COMFORT by Waisense implemented by Private owner, with a family of 4 members in Madrid (Spain) in 2022

Akila Digital twin platform by Akila implemented by Groupe SNCF in Monte-Carlo (Monaco) in 2024

LM INNOVATION technology by LM Innovation implemented by Astredhor Sud Ouest - France in Bordeaux (France) in 2023

Krishiraj MUFT Multi-Utility Farming Tool by Sukoon Solutions implemented by Mr. Deshraj Dayal in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh (India) in 2021

Flexibuster by SEaB Energy implemented by Sepur in Thieverval-Grignon (France) in 2019

METRON Energy optimisation by METRON implemented by ArcelorMittal in Le Creusot (France) in 2021

Helios Exchange by Helios Exchange, Inc. implemented by New York City in New York (United States) in 2019

ElectricFeel Shared Mobility OS by ElectricFeel implemented by City of Basel (Switzerland) in Basel (Switzerland) in 2018

Climkit Community by Climkit SA implemented by Société Coopérative d'Habitation Charmontey in Vevey (Switzerland) in 2018

Data Recycling® by Systnaps implemented by Randstad Group in Saint-Denis (France) in 2022

Data Recycling® by Systnaps implemented by Docaposte (La Poste Group) in Ivry-sur-Seine (France) in 2024

Photovoltaics 4.0 by Clever Solar Devices implemented by IGNIS in Escatron (Spain) in 2022

06. Conclusion

Energy crisis prevention

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

  1. 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.
  2.  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.

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pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com