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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

PanePowerSW

Sustainable greenhouse farming for the growing population

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Agrifood & Natural Environment

Feb 2024

APROMUD®

A biodegradable super-dryer for conditioning liquid sludge and reducing the carbon footprint of worksites

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Mar 2020

Use case available

GridEye

A digital grid optimizer for power distribution networks

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions

Nov 2022

Wind Craneless System

A craneless system to erect wind turbines and lift blades by climbing up the turbine like a Koala

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

GridEye by Depsys implemented by SED2 in Monthey (Switzerland) in 2016

SynchroGuard by Zaphiro Technologies implemented by SIG Services Industriels de Genève in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2024

Hive Optimal by BeeBryte implemented by DHL in Singapore (Singapore) in 2018

Excess Materials Exchange (EME) by Excess Materials Exchange implemented by Enfield Council in Einfield (United Kingdom) in 2022

Lungs of the City by ENS Clean Air implemented by City of Eindhoven, Eindhoven University in Eindhoven (Netherlands) in 2018

Lungs of the City by ENS Clean Air implemented by Interparking NV in Brussels (Belgium) in 2024

Ways2H Hydrogen Solution by Ways2H, Inc. implemented by United Kingdom in UK (United Kingdom) in 2021

Gecko by QUANTIA SAS implemented by L'Oréal in Paris (France) in 2022

PV LifeBox Water Pumping & Desalination by Noornation implemented by LBX Ways Kherbawy Faem in Kafr Al-Sheikh (Egypt) in 2023

MyHEAT Solar Platform by MyHEAT implemented by City of Edmonton in Edmonton (Canada) in 2019

iPyramid 1 - Flat Rooftop Solar Cogeneration by MAXUN Solar implemented by BentallGreenOak in Ottawa (Canada) in 2020

EV for fleets by Make my Day implemented by TotalEnergies in Paris (France) in 2025

EV for fleets by Make my Day implemented by Holcim in Buenoes Aires (Argentina) in 2025

SFERENO PRO by SFERENO implemented by City of Lille in Lille (France) in 2019

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

Move Heat 2 Cold by Water Horizon implemented by Toulouse Métropole in Toulouse (France) in 2020

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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