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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Aug 2020

Sustainable cooling for a warming planet

An energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Buildings & Constructions

Nov 2024

Use case available

MOBILE DRIVES INVERTERS

Family of reliable, compact, automotive-qualified power electronic devices for commercial vehicles and trains

Mobility

Nov 2019

Homaya PAYG

A solar home system pay as you go solution for off-grid entrepreneurs avoiding use of diesel gensets

Buildings & Constructions
Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Jun 2020

Use case available

Akeptus

An AI and Sensor-based technology to communicate and manage building systems

Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

MOBILE DRIVES INVERTERS by Bucher Hydraulics AG implemented by GINAF TRUCKS NEDERLAND B.V. in Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 2014

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

IPAC® by BAT’IPAC implemented by L'ARCHIPEP'S in Ecouflant (France) in 2017

VG Holz by Demet'Air implemented by Toulouse Métropole in Toulouse (France) in 2019

Elemental Water Source by Elemental Water Makers implemented by Save the Children in Hafun (Somalia) in 2023

SMATCH by ENGIE implemented by Equans in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2022

ODYSSEY by SEED-Energy implemented by Territoire d’Innovation in Ferney-Voltaire (France) in 2020

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

Flatmate by Sanura implemented by de Alliantie in Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 2021

Solar platform for value chain decarbonization by Solfium Inc. implemented by Café K’airo in Santiago de Querétaro (Mexico) in 2023

Solar platform for value chain decarbonization by Solfium Inc. implemented by Coca-Cola in Pachuca (Mexico) in 2024

Climkit Community by Climkit SA implemented by Société Coopérative d'Habitation Charmontey in Vevey (Switzerland) in 2018

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

Kiplo Energy Communities by Cleanwatts implemented by Izeda’s Fire Brigade in Bragança (Portugal) in 2024

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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