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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

May 2025

Kaizen Wave Energy Converter

A lightweight wave energy converter that is easy to install in many locations.

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Nov 2020

Climy

Algorithms matching energy consumption with actual energy usage in commercial buildings

Buildings & Constructions

Feb 2021

HelioRec Floating Solar Power Plant

Simple, powerful floating solar technology to transform unused water space into a clean energy generation

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions

Apr 2019

Use case available

CoolRoof

An extreme white coating that captures 95% of sun heat on buildings roof

Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

CoolRoof by Cool Roof France implemented by Brico Dépôt in Brive-la-Gaillarde (France) in 2021

CoolRoof by Cool Roof France implemented by Pullman Dakar Teranga Hotel in Dakar (Senegal) in 2021

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

PV energy harvesters for IoTs by FLEXWAVE Co., Ltd implemented by Microprogram Information CO., LTD. in Taipei (Taiwan) in 2019

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

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

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

Li-Cycle Technology by LI-CYCLE CORP. implemented by Glencore in Toronto (Canada) in 2024

Moduly Nødz by Moduly implemented by Alabama Power in Birmingham (United States) in 2023

Multifunctional Roof Edge (MRE) by ANERDGY implemented by Anerdgy in Voreppe (France) in 2020

Hivenet by Hivenet implemented by Inria (French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology) in Le Chesnay Cedex (France) in 2022

Edelsun by Edelsun implemented by Le Prestige Bar in Neuchatêl (Switzerland) in 2019

InteliPipes by Cann Forecast implemented by regional municipality of Peel in Mississauga (Canada) in 2021

EV for fleets by Make my Day implemented by TotalEnergies in Paris (France) in 2025

INERGYS GreenPack by INERGYS implemented by Centre d’ Essais Climatiques de l’Aigoual in Mont Aigoual (France) in 2024

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

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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