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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Mar 2023

SEADS BLUE BARRIERS

Turns ocean plastic into wealth by capturing it in rivers and extracting the highest value from it

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jul 2020

Cobrane A1 e-vehicle

The solution for clean, quiet and safe facility management operations

Mobility

Jan 2024

Solid-state hydrogen storage tanks

A safe, sustainable and efficient hydrogen storage solution in solid form

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Mobility

Jul 2022

Use case available

V'LEASE

A bike scheme for employers offering services like car fleet management and change management tools

Mobility

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

V'LEASE by 2R AVENTURE implemented by Ingerop in Lesquin (France) in 2021

V'LEASE by 2R AVENTURE implemented by GAPAS in Lille (France) in 2020

Philéole by Phileole S. A. implemented by Foutaine Pajo /Lagoon in La Rochelle (France) in 2024

Philéole by Phileole S. A. implemented by Skypark Business Center, Luxembourg Airport in Luxembourg (Luxembourg) in 2025

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

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

GEH2 ® - The Hydrogen fuel cell power generator by EODev (Energy Observer Developments) implemented by Genpower for Tennet Grid Operator in Berg op Zoom (Netherlands) in 2024

Sea Water Air Conditioning SWAC by PACIFIC BEACHCOMBER implemented by Tahiti Hospital in Papeete (French Polynesia) in 2022

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

INERGYS GreenPack by INERGYS implemented by Centre d’ Essais Climatiques de l’Aigoual in Mont Aigoual (France) in 2024

HelioRec - floating solar technology by HelioRec implemented by Brest Port in Brest (France) in 2023

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

Wind Tulips by FLOWER TURBINES implemented by City of Nissewaard in Nissewaard (Netherlands) in 2022

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

Vertuoz Control by ENGIE implemented by Department of Loir-et-Cher in Blois (France) in 2019

MOBILE DRIVES INVERTERS by Bucher Hydraulics AG implemented by GINAF TRUCKS NEDERLAND B.V. in Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 2014

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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