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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Apr 2022

PURE-CUT®

A metal working method that reduces health risks, water pollution &CO2 emissions while improving productivity

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Feb 2024

Use case available

EV for fleets

A platform helping Companies to electrify their fleets and manage them

Mobility

Mar 2020

Carwatt

Converting industrial and special vehicles into electric vehicles using new or used batteries

Mobility

Oct 2020

IE5 SynRM

A new first choice to reduce energy losses in industrial motors

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

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

EV for fleets by Make my Day implemented by Holcim in Buenoes Aires (Argentina) in 2025

Geothermal panel by Enerdrape implemented by Realstone in Lausanne (Switzerland) in 2021

Geothermal panel by Enerdrape implemented by Coop in Renens (Switzerland) in 2023

Geothermal panel by Enerdrape implemented by Next Immobilier SA in Aigle (Switzerland) in 2024

Geothermal panel by Enerdrape implemented by ENGIE in Paris (France) in 2025

Shotl On-Demand Transit Platform by Shotl implemented by Vallirana City Council in Vallirana (Spain) in 2018

Shotl On-Demand Transit Platform by Shotl implemented by Trentino Trasporti in Trento (Italy) in 2023

Shotl On-Demand Transit Platform by Shotl implemented by Mybuxi in Herzogenbuchsee (Switzerland) in 2019

KLIMA-PUR by INDRESMAT implemented by Port Ginesta in Castelldefels (Spain) in 2023

Move Heat 2 Cold by Water Horizon implemented by Toulouse Métropole in Toulouse (France) in 2020

Sea Water Air Conditioning SWAC by PACIFIC BEACHCOMBER implemented by Tahiti Hospital in Papeete (French Polynesia) in 2022

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Upgrade Real Estate in Ghent (Belgium) in 2022

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Wind Groep in Lemmer (Netherlands) in 2023

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Intercontinental Hotel Group: IHG Voco™ in Vilvoorde (Belgium) in 2023

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

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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pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com

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