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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Apr 2020

Use case available

Carbon Negative Web Hosting Services

A resilient carbon-negative cloud that heats swimming pools and residential buildings

Buildings & Constructions

Aug 2024

Hybrid Solar Street Light

Hybrid Solar Street Light works on solar power with grid supply as backup with optional remote monitoring system

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jun 2023

Use case available

Syroco Live

Data and AI-based weather routing and voyage optimisation to reduce fuel consumption and emissions of ships

Mobility

Aug 2021

Off The Grid electricity generating spinning bike

A spinning bike generating electricity while working out for the electrical grid

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Carbon Negative Web Hosting Services by Neutral-IT implemented by City of Paris in Paris (France) in 2016

Syroco Live by Syroco implemented by Socatra in Bordeaux (France) in 2024

R.E.D.S. (Renewable Energy Digit System) by Volterres implemented by Valenciennes Métropole in Beuvrages (France) in 2020

SCAN by Geosophy by Geosophy implemented by IDF Investissements et Territoires in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (France) in 2022

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

Biochar at scale by NetZero implemented by Nespresso in Paraguaçu (Brazil) in 2024

Wind Tulips by FLOWER TURBINES implemented by City of Nissewaard in Nissewaard (Netherlands) in 2022

The SunAir Fountain® by AGUA DE SOL implemented by 2D Water in Marrakesh (Morocco) in 2024

CONTAINWATT by monkilowatt implemented by Médecins Sans Frontières in Ouaddaï (Chad) in 2024

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

GridCal by PSInsight GmbH implemented by NGN Netzgesellschaft Niederrhein Mbh in Krefeld, Straelen, and Wachtendonk (Germany) in 2020

HelioRec - floating solar technology by HelioRec implemented by Brest Port in Brest (France) in 2023

Virtu by Naked Energy Limited implemented by The Oxfordshire Municipality in Oxford (United Kingdom) in 2022

CarbonLnk by Lnk Technologies implemented by City & Provincial Properties in London (United Kingdom) in 2024

DABBEL AI Control by DABBEL - Automation Intelligence GmbH implemented by Patrizia SE in Berlin (Germany) in 2022

V'LEASE by 2R AVENTURE implemented by Ingerop in Lesquin (France) 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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