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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Sep 2021

Use case available

ChargeGuru EV Charging Solution

A digital platform to manage electric vehicles charging stations

Buildings & Constructions
Mobility

Sep 2023

Tulip Table Top

A basic gravity-fed water filter delivering safe water to its users, free of bacteria and protozoa

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Mar 2022

TheGreenShot

Live costs and carbon footprint tracker to deploy cost-efficient sustainable workflows for audiovisual productions

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Mobility

Nov 2019

Use case available

WindBox

Produce and consume local electricity from rooftops, thanks to the wind and the sun

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

ChargeGuru EV Charging Solution by ChargeGuru implemented by Hôtel bois d’Imbert in Rocamadour (France) in 2021

WindBox by WIND my ROOF implemented by Rouen Habitat in Rouen (France) in 2022

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

Comwatt power by Comwatt implemented by Ikea France in Multiple cities (France) in 2019

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

System O)) by DBO International implemented by SouthernCopperCorporation in Huaytire (Peru) in 2020

Speed-O-Clar by Densiline implemented by Agglomération du Bocage Bressuirais in Bressuire (France) in 2022

Eocycle/EO25 Distributed Wind Turbine by Eocycle Technologies Inc implemented by TARIMÖZ in Istanbul (Turkey) in 2024

More Circularity Less Mining by GreenIron implemented by Vale in Sandviken (Sweden) in 2025

CLEMAP by CLEMAP AG implemented by Gassmann Media in Biel, Bienne (Switzerland) in 2022

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

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

Helios Exchange by Helios Exchange, Inc. implemented by New York City in New York (United States) in 2019

EcoPlanet/Susteno by Holcim implemented by HSG Foundation in Saint Gallen (Switzerland) in 2016

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

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