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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

SEU 2/5 TDC
Feb 2020

SEU 2/5 TDC

A co-generation photovoltaic station capable of producing both electric and thermal energy

  • Buildings & Constructions
  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
EV-1 Electric Motorcycle
Nov 2020

EV-1 Electric Motorcycle

An electric motorcycle with a disruptive battery architecture and exoskeleton chassis

  • Mobility
Autonom Power Solutions
Jan 2021

Autonom Power Solutions

A power backup solution that simplifies deployment of telecom connectivity around the World

  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Hydrelio®
Feb 2020
Use case available

Hydrelio®

Floating solar photovoltaic panels for water resource conservation

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Hydrelio® by Ciel & Terre International implemented by AKUO in Piolenc (France) in 2019

Energy Geostructures by GEOEG implemented by EPFL in Lausanne (Switzerland) in 2021

Energy Geostructures by GEOEG implemented by Insula SA in Prilly-Malley (Switzerland) in 2024

Covers Energy Pack by COVERS TM S.A. implemented by Wingest in Martelange (Belgium) in 2025

GenCell A5 off-grid energy solution by GenCell Energy implemented by Vodafone Mobile in Bucharest (Romania) in 2022

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

WAGABOX® by Waga Energy implemented by Veolia in Claye-Souilly (France) in 2022

WAGABOX® by Waga Energy implemented by Air Liquide in Rockford (United States) in 2023

WAGABOX® by Waga Energy implemented by SUEZ in Milhac-d'Auberoche (France) in 2022

WAGABOX® by Waga Energy implemented by PreZero in Els Hostalets de Pierola (Spain) in 2023

Comwatt power by Comwatt implemented by Ikea France in Multiple cities (France) in 2019

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

Agrivoltaics - Solar & Agriculture co-location by Ether Energy implemented by Namur Agri Energie in Namur (Belgium) in 2023

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

Tiamat Sodium-ion cells by Tiamat Energy implemented by Adeo in Lille (France) in 2023

Synhelion Solar Fuels by Synhelion SA implemented by CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. in Zurich (Switzerland) in 2020

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