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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

System O))
Oct 2020
Use case available

System O))

A nature-based technology for treatment of wastewater

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Oceanwings
Aug 2021

Oceanwings

A two-element wingsail installed on vessels which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 45%

  • Mobility
  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
SCAN by Geosophy
Jun 2023
Use case available

SCAN by Geosophy

A software tools to assess the geo-energy potential for sustainable heating and cooling of buildings

  • Buildings & Constructions
  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
HelioHealth
Feb 2020

HelioHealth

A high-tech monitoring system for solar rooftops and distributed generation systems

  • Buildings & Constructions
  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

System O)) by DBO International implemented by SouthernCopperCorporation in Huaytire (Peru) in 2020

SCAN by Geosophy by Geosophy implemented by IDF Investissements et Territoires in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (France) in 2022

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

Behavioural Insights platform by Advizzo (Part of Calisen group) implemented by Severn Trent Water in Coventry (United Kingdom) in 2023

Variable Volume Reservoir (VVR) by Smart Reservoir implemented by MBI Global- VersaDrill Canada in Val d'Or (Canada) in 2023

Urban Smart Ecopark by micromobile implemented by City of Angers in Angers (France) in 2019

VoltControl Voltage Stabilizer by VoltControl implemented by Commune de Collombey-Muraz in Collombey-muraz (Switzerland) in 2021

QED Naval Limited and Tocardo Turbines by QED Naval Limited implemented by EU Interreg Tiger Project and ORE Catapult in Yarmouth (United Kingdom) in 2023

METRON Energy optimisation by METRON implemented by ArcelorMittal in Le Creusot (France) in 2021

Kheoos Market by kheoos implemented by Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand (France) in 2021

Smartec by Salvi Lighting implemented by Energy Development Corporation Limited in Kigali (Rwanda) in 2022

Quokka by h2gremm implemented by Toyota in Paris (France) in 2024

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

Solar Thermal Decarbonization by TVP SOLAR implemented by PepsiCo in Sete Lagoas (Brazil) in 2022

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

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