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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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 2020

TWIDO

A sustainable water heater solution to improve consumer consumption

Buildings & Constructions

May 2022

Use case available

eDyn Dynamic Public Lighting

Street-lighting intensity controller for decreasing energy consumption by motion detection

Buildings & Constructions

Feb 2021

Solar Intelligent Lighting (S.I.L.)

A self-powered solar led lighting solution for outdoor use with remote control

Buildings & Constructions

Jul 2020

CalWave Wave Energy Converter

Generating electricity from the power of the ocean

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

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

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

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

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

Tiamat Sodium-ion cells by Tiamat Energy implemented by Adeo in Lille (France) in 2023

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

Synhelion Solar Fuels by Synhelion SA implemented by CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. in Zurich (Switzerland) in 2020

Synhelion Solar Fuels by Synhelion SA implemented by Wood in Jülich (Germany) in 2021

Synhelion Solar Fuels by Synhelion SA implemented by Swiss International Air Lines in Zurich (Switzerland) in 2024

Low Energy Data Storage System by Swiss Vault implemented by University of Binghamton in Binghamton (United States) in 2023

Low Energy Data Storage System by Swiss Vault implemented by iBridge Cloud Technologies in Sacramento (United States) in 2024

Sympheny by Urban Sympheny AG implemented by IBC Energie Wasser Chur in Dübendorf (Switzerland) in 2020

Coomtech Kinetic Energy Drying System by Coomtech Ltd implemented by Hive Aggregates in Retford (United Kingdom) in 2023

SMATCH by ENGIE implemented by Equans in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2022

Green box by Near grid Solutions implemented by Wyckaert Bouwonderneming in Ghent (Belgium) in 2023

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

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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