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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Jun 2020

Use case available

QED Naval Limited and Tocardo Turbines

A low-cost submersible platform for tidal sites

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Aug 2021

Conso Live key

A device using smart meters to offer real-time electricity consumption and personalised advice

Buildings & Constructions

Sep 2020

Use case available

Edelsun

Double-combustion wood pellet outdoor heaters

Buildings & Constructions

Oct 2021

Use case available

Multidrains geothermal wells

Multi-Drain geothermal well for decarbonising district heating networks

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

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

Edelsun by Edelsun implemented by Le Prestige Bar in Neuchatêl (Switzerland) in 2019

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

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

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

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

METRON Energy optimisation by METRON implemented by ArcelorMittal in Le Creusot (France) in 2021

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

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

Moduly Nødz by Moduly implemented by Alabama Power in Birmingham (United States) in 2023

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

WITT 6D WEC POWER by WITTEnergy implemented by US Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Seattle (United States) in 2023

Ennobox by E-nno Switzerland SA implemented by Edmond de Rothschild in Many cities (Switzerland) in 2021

Krishiraj MUFT Multi-Utility Farming Tool by Sukoon Solutions implemented by Mr. Deshraj Dayal in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh (India) in 2021

GenCell A5 off-grid energy solution by GenCell Energy implemented by Vodafone Mobile in Bucharest (Romania) in 2022

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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Any questions

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pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com

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