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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

GEH2 ® - The Hydrogen fuel cell power generator by EODev (Energy Observer Developments) implemented by Eneria Belgium in Wachtebeke (Belgium) in 2024

Attributes Power by Attributes implemented by Air Products in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier (France) in 2018

GeoCassini by E-Cassini implemented by Veolia in Paris (France) in 2020

Tysilio Solar Container by Tysilio implemented by Primeale United in Kirene (Senegal) in 2024

MPower Ventures by MPower Ventures implemented by Kamanjab Municipality in Kamanjab (Namibia) in 2024

VG Holz by Demet'Air implemented by Toulouse Métropole in Toulouse (France) in 2019

Bioreactor BioRenGaz by BioRenGaz implemented by Seppi Gaz in Issenheim (France) in 2024

STOLECT Carnot battery by Stolect implemented by SNCF in Rennes (France) in 2022

Micro Hydro Turbine by POWERTURBINES implemented by Aqualia in Merida (Spain) in 2024

Bio-sourced vertical axis wind turbine by Phileole S. A. implemented by Foutaine Pajo /Lagoon in La Rochelle  (France) in 2024

Bio-sourced vertical axis wind turbine by Phileole S. A. implemented by Skypark Business Center, Luxembourg Airport in Luxembourg (Luxembourg) in 2025

iPyramid 1 - Flat Rooftop Solar Cogeneration by MAXUN Solar implemented by BentallGreenOak in Ottawa (Canada) in 2020

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

Platform for BIPV solutions with Click & Go technology by BIPV.world implemented by De Haan Group BV in Waalwijk (Netherlands) in 2024

PV energy harvesters for IoTs by FLEXWAVE Co., Ltd implemented by Microprogram Information CO., LTD. in Taipei (Taiwan) in 2019

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

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