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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Armoire AEA
Apr 2022

Armoire AEA

Electric cabinet with recycled batteries to optimize photovoltaic self-consumption for residential use

  • Buildings & Constructions
CAPSolar Module
Dec 2020

CAPSolar Module

A solar module optimized for low-speed electric vehicles, extending their range and battery life

  • Mobility
Electric Reactors for Cleaner Hydrogen and Syngas
Jan 2021

Electric Reactors for Cleaner Hydrogen and Syngas

Supplying industry with low carbon, low cost fuel

  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
SMART OFFICE FOR REDUCING SPACE USAGE
Oct 2022

SMART OFFICE FOR REDUCING SPACE USAGE

A software and smart object solution that halves work surfaces and reduces the associated environmental impact

  • Buildings & Constructions
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels by TVP SOLAR implemented by PepsiCo in Minas Gerais (Brazil) in 2022

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels by TVP SOLAR implemented by Emmi Group in Langnau (Switzerland) in 2022

Gramitherm by Gramitherm Europe SA implemented by City of Charleroi in Couillet (France) in 2021

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

soblue Multi-NRG Panel by Soblue implemented by Carrosserie Pfister AG in Herisau (Switzerland) in 2024

Eliq Utility Customer Engagement Platform by Eliq implemented by Schneider Electric in Rueil-Malmaison (France) in 2022

Autonomous Lighting System by LEDCity AG implemented by SBB in Bern (Switzerland) in 2021

Thermogreen XPS by Thermogreen implemented by Aredal 2019 in Sotillo del Rincón (Spain) in 2024

Flexibuster by SEaB Energy implemented by Sepur in Thieverval-Grignon (France) in 2019

Solar Cloth thin film photovoltaic panel by Solar Cloth implemented by French Institute for Agronomic Research in Antibes (France) in 2021

Solar Cloth thin film photovoltaic panel by Solar Cloth implemented by EDF in Paris (France) in 2024

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

Tiko by tiko Energy Solutions AG implemented by Régie Immobilière de la Ville de Paris in Paris (France) in 2021

Tiko by tiko Energy Solutions AG implemented by Mobility in Zürich (Switzerland) in 2022

Excess Materials Exchange (EME) by Excess Materials Exchange implemented by Enfield Council in Einfield (United Kingdom) in 2022

Celsius Energy by Celsius Energy implemented by Schlumberger in Clamart (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