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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

opti.node

Software for planning, managing and networking renewable energy generation

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions

Oct 2021

JBox & IECharge

An energy storage system for grid stabilization and EV charging stations

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Mobility

Jun 2025

Use case available

efficiency PACK: cost-efficient heat recovery

Standardised & flexible ORC products to convert waste heat or geothermal energy into low-cost & carbon-free electricity

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Mobility
Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Oct 2025

Use case available

Penny mobility app

Locate, scan and ride the nearest e-moped to your end destination via your smartphone

Mobility

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

efficiency PACK: cost-efficient heat recovery by Orcan Energy AG implemented by Wittekind Hugo Miebach Söhne KG in Erwitte (Germany) in 2022

Penny mobility app by penny implemented by Thessaloniki City in Thessaloniki (Greece) in 2024

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

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels by TVP SOLAR implemented by PepsiCo in Minas Gerais (Brazil) in 2022

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels by TVP SOLAR implemented by Emmi Group in Langnau (Switzerland) in 2022

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

Biochar at scale by NetZero implemented by Nespresso in Paraguaçu (Brazil) in 2024

Arena Solar by Solum PV implemented by A Spanish municipality in Bilbao (Spain) in 2025

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

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

Synhelion Solar Fuels by Synhelion SA implemented by Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) in Lucerne (Switzerland) in 2025

Multifunctional Roof Edge (MRE) by ANERDGY implemented by Anerdgy in Voreppe (France) in 2020

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

EcoStruxure ™ EV Charging Expert by Schneider Electric implemented by Renault in Guyancourt (France) in 2011

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

Explorer for sustainability

Bertrand dedicates his life to demonstrate the opportunities lying in sustainable development and to raise interest in profitable solutions to protect the environment.

Pioneering vision

As a pioneer, he understood that fighting climate change with clean and efficient technologies is opening-up new industrial markets and offering a unique and profitable opportunity for economic growth.

Collaborators

The Solar Impulse Foundation has entered in close and impactful collaboration with several international institutions, corporations, states and cities around the world to facilitate the identification, assessment, funding and implementation of efficient solutions.

Supporters

The Solar Impulse Foundation is working with like-minded incubators, accelerators and organizations, creating a qualitative worldwide network to boost the adoption of efficient solutions.

The search-engine for climate action

The Explorer is a one-of-a-kind search engine that showcases profitable climate solutions from all over the world which are part of an ever-growing, curated, and publicly-accessible database.

Explore

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Buildings & Construction

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Agrifood & Natural Environment

Mobility

A label focused on both environment and profitability

Assessed by independent experts, the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label, serves as a credible marker of quality to decision-makers in business and governments.

Submit your Efficient Solution

For the first time a label assesses the economic profitability of solutions that protect the environment.
Sign up to become a Member of the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions and submit it now!

What is the Experts’ role in evaluating the Solutions?

The Experts are key in the labelling process, using their technical and professional expertise to assess and critique Solutions seeking the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label.