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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Jul 2020

Eco H2®

A waste-to-energy solution to produce hydrogen from organic waste products

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Sep 2023

Use case available

R.E.D.S. (Renewable Energy Digit System)

A solution of real-time electricity traceability, based on blockchain, enabling innovative green and local offer

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

May 2019

ECOMESH

A hybrid solar panel ecomesh capable of producing electricity and heat simultaneously

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Oct 2020

AkuoCoop

A crowdfunding platform for renewable energy projects

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

R.E.D.S. (Renewable Energy Digit System) by Volterres implemented by Valenciennes Métropole in Beuvrages (France) in 2020

TEYGO by Solamaz implemented by Ville de Saint-Georges in Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock (French Guiana) in 2024

Skysun Solar Finance by SKYSUN implemented by M.I.M - Marché Intercommunal Mouscronnois in Mouscron (Belgium) in 2024

Skysun Solar Finance by SKYSUN implemented by Calcaires de la Sambre in Montigny-le-Tilleul (Belgium) in 2024

Ennobox by E-nno Switzerland SA implemented by Edmond de Rothschild in Many cities (Switzerland) in 2021

Tamturbo Touch-Free Compressor Technology by Tamturbo implemented by A global brewery factory in Westfall (United States) in 2021

The Patented Plagazi Process by Plagazi AB implemented by Municipality of Köping in Köping (Sweden) in 2024

The Patented Plagazi Process by Plagazi AB implemented by Gotlandsbolaget in Båstad (Sweden) in 2022

Ways2H Hydrogen Solution by Ways2H, Inc. implemented by United Kingdom in UK (United Kingdom) in 2021

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

WITT 6D WEC POWER by WITTEnergy implemented by US Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Seattle (United States) in 2023

GEH2 ® - The Hydrogen fuel cell power generator by EODev (Energy Observer Developments) implemented by Eneria Belgium in Wachtebeke (Belgium) in 2024

GEH2 ® - The Hydrogen fuel cell power generator by EODev (Energy Observer Developments) implemented by Genpower for Tennet Grid Operator in Berg op Zoom (Netherlands) in 2024

eDyn Dynamic Public Lighting by JDC Electronic S.A. implemented by Service des Energies Yverdon-les-Bains in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) in 2020

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

Power-to-X modular chemical plants by Ineratec implemented by MPC Containerships, UNITI e.V. in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) 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.

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Any questions

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pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com

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