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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Oct 2019

Use case available

Lightyear One – Solar electric car

An efficient five adults passenger solar electric car topped with solar cells

Mobility

Dec 2020

Energy Trading & Traceability Platform

Online marketplace where renewable energy consumers and producers directly connect and exchange

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Aug 2021

Eco-friendly pool by Waterair®

A heated pool leveraging solar energy for zero operating electricity consumption for household owners

Buildings & Constructions

Mar 2023

Demand Response Platform - Mon Chauffage Electrique Connecté

A residential demand response solution which is hardware-agnostic, based on a profit-sharing business model

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Lightyear One – Solar electric car by Lightyear implemented by BNP Paribas in Paris (France) in 2023

The SunAir Fountain® by AGUA DE SOL implemented by 2D Water in Marrakesh (Morocco) in 2024

Geopannel Ecological Insulation Solution by GEOPANNEL implemented by IES Hermanos d’Elhuyar in Logrono (Spain) in 2022

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by The Green Village, Woon Friesland, Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draaisma, Bewonersraad Friesland in Delft (Netherlands) in 2021

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by Megaplex in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2023

SFERENO PRO by SFERENO implemented by City of Lille in Lille (France) in 2019

WITT energy harvesting by WITTEnergy implemented by US Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Seattle (United States) in 2023

Multidrains geothermal wells by ENGIE implemented by City of Velizy-Villacoublay (France) in Velizy-Villacoublay (France) in 2021

ULTRAWATT PRO BiPV Façade by ULTRAWATT PRO implemented by Riot House in Clermont-Ferrand (France) in 2023

Zypho® by Aliaxis implemented by Premier Inn Hotel in Douglas (Isle of Man) in 2019

Absolicon T160 Solar Collector by Absolicon Solar Concentrator implemented by Birra Peroni in Bari (Italy) in 2023

Absolicon T160 Solar Collector by Absolicon Solar Concentrator implemented by Chelal Tea Factory in Kebenet (Kenya) in 2024

PurePilot by Purecontrol implemented by Rennes Métropole in Rennes (France) in 2020

Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) by GE Vernova implemented by Kraftwerk Linth-Limmern (KLL) AG in Linthal (Switzerland) in 2008

Passive Variable Geometry by Windcity implemented by ITI-CERTH Information Technology Institute - Center for Research & Technology Hellas in Thessaloniki (Greece) in 2024

MyHEAT Solar Platform by MyHEAT implemented by City of Edmonton in Edmonton (Canada) in 2019

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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