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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

3D Printed Polishing Burner
Feb 2021

3D Printed Polishing Burner

3d printing technology for the fabrication of complex geometries in hollow glass manufacturing

  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Vertical Solar
Oct 2019

Vertical Solar

A wall made out of solar-block pv panels for economical, durable and practical energy production

  • Buildings & Constructions
HECLA(R) Setores 1.000 and 1.500
Feb 2024
Use case available

HECLA(R) Setores 1.000 and 1.500

Future proof process eliminating all organic pollutants incl. PFAS, recycling P, energy positive, carbon dioxide removal

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
SunPlower Propeller
Feb 2020

SunPlower Propeller

Disruptive propeller for harvesting wind, sun and water using one technology

  • Buildings & Constructions
  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

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

Sympheny by Urban Sympheny AG implemented by IBC Energie Wasser Chur in Dübendorf (Switzerland) in 2020

STOLECT Carnot Battery by Stolect implemented by SNCF in Rennes (France) in 2022

Coomtech Kinetic Energy Drying System by Coomtech Ltd implemented by Hive Aggregates in Retford (United Kingdom) in 2023

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by The Green Village, Woon Friesland, Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draaisma, Bewonersraad Friesland in Delft (Netherlands) in 2021

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by Megaplex in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2023

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by The New Makers in Delft (Netherlands) in 2025

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

Concentrated Solar Thermal Solution by Azteq implemented by ENGIE in Seville (Spain) in 2022

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

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

Sea Water Air Conditioning SWAC by PACIFIC BEACHCOMBER implemented by Tahiti Hospital in Papeete (French Polynesia) in 2022

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:

  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