Solutions to the energy crisis
How to achieve sustainable energy?
Identify the causes and effects of the energy crisis, but also the solutions to bring it to an end.
Energy
Crisis
Crisis
Energy
Today we can!
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.
Photo by Lemur on Unsplash
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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.
“Most of the technologies we use that are associated with energy are 130 years old. They were invented at the end of the 19th century. It’s time to abandon our dirty status quo and embrace clean growth.”
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 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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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.
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.
But at Solar Impulse we don’t want to focus on the problems. Let’s come up with solutions !
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Energy crisis solutions
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.
World Alliance for Efficient Solutions
the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions, established by the Solar Impulse Foundation, is selecting innovative solutions that help control, prevent and overcome the energy crisis.
Here are the ones that already obtained the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label:
PowerCorner
Mini-grids for affordable, reliable, sustainable energy-services for rural and off-grid populations
PowerCorner energy solution includes a containerised generation unit comprised of photovoltaic panels, a lithium-ion battery bank for storage and a back-up genset, providing electricity 24-hours a day.
Animeo Connect
Facade shading management solution for increased energy savings in buildings
Animeo Connect integrates sensors on roofs and facades of buildings to measure real-time conditions allowing for intelligent and efficient remote blind management.
X-Sol 100
Resistant and low-cost solar water heater using special plastic materials.
A modular, freeze and corrosion-resistant solar water heater designed for sunny regions where robustness and affordability are key, reducing conventional fuel expense for water heating by 80%.
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A challenge, #1000 Solutions to change the world
For the first time a label proves the economic profitability of solutions that protect the environment. The Solar Impulse Foundation is selecting 1,000 solutions and awarding them the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label.
Collaborating with independent experts and with renowned institutions, the World Alliance proposes to evaluate its members solutions free of charge.
The «Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions» label will offer a competitive edge to innovators and a guarantee of quality to solution seekers.
