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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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 2021

HYCCO's Bipolar Plates

A new generation of composite bipolar plates for fuel cells

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Apr 2023

Use case available

SynchroGuard

An innovative smart grid solution to increase the integration of renewables and reliability of power system

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Dec 2023

Use case available

Paragon Pod

Mobile and flexible energy & EV charging solutions for short and long term needs

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions
Mobility

Aug 2020

Venus

Circular led solutions reusing existing lighting features

Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

SynchroGuard by Zaphiro Technologies implemented by SIG Services Industriels de Genève in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2024

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

MATCH Slate/Tile by Megasol Energie AG implemented by The municipality of Saas-Fee in Saas-Fee (Switzerland) in 2022

MATCH Slate/Tile by Megasol Energie AG implemented by Caisse de pension de l'État de Vaud in Lausanne (Switzerland) 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

The Patented Plagazi Process by Plagazi AB (publ) implemented by Municipality of Köping in Köping (Sweden) in 2024

The Patented Plagazi Process by Plagazi AB (publ) implemented by Gotlandsbolaget in Båstad (Sweden) in 2022

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

DABBEL AI Control by DABBEL - Automation Intelligence GmbH implemented by Patrizia SE in Berlin (Germany) in 2022

Sun-Ways by Sun-Ways implemented by transN Transports publics neuchâtelois in Buttes (Switzerland) in 2025

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

FLEXINERGY INFRASTRUCTURE by Evolution Energie implemented by Groupe ADP in Paris (France) in 2018

DaTEG 1.0 by GemaTEG Inc implemented by US Department Of Energy in Washington (United States) in 2023

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

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

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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