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.

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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

My Joule Box
Feb 2019

My Joule Box

A pay as you go solar system for sustainable development in africa

  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Vacuum AirLift™
Feb 2021

Vacuum AirLift™

A simple multi-functional device for water treatment and management in aquaculture systems

  • Agrifood & Natural Environment
  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
EXOrac
May 2020

EXOrac

A retractable solar racking technology overcoming the limitations of solar and diesel installations

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
  • Buildings & Constructions
OTS
Apr 2024

OTS

Innovative latent heat thermal energy storage system for industrial heat decarbonization

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

ULTRAWATT PRO BiPV Façade by ULTRAWATT PRO implemented by Riot House in Clermont-Ferrand (France) in 2023

EcoPlanet/Susteno by Holcim implemented by HSG Foundation in Saint Gallen (Switzerland) in 2016

Zypho® by Aliaxis implemented by Premier Inn Hotel in Douglas (Isle of Man) in 2019

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

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

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

System O)) by DBO International implemented by SouthernCopperCorporation in Huaytire (Peru) in 2020

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

Next Generation Dry-air GIS by Nuventura implemented by Energienetze Steiermark in Prankh (Austria) in 2024

VoltControl Stabilizers by VoltControl implemented by Commune de Collombey-Muraz in Collombey-muraz (Switzerland) in 2021

Paragon Pod by Paragon Mobility implemented by Vestas France in Sancheville (France) in 2020

Akeptus by Akeptus™ implemented by Ben and Jerry’s in South Burlington (United States) in 2021

Green box by Near grid Solutions implemented by Wyckaert Bouwonderneming in Ghent (Belgium) in 2023

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

Speed-O-Clar by Densiline implemented by Agglomération du Bocage Bressuirais in Bressuire (France) in 2022

ODYSSEY by SEED-Energy implemented by Territoire d’Innovation in Ferney-Voltaire (France) 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