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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Jul 2020

Eco H2®

A waste-to-energy solution to produce hydrogen from organic waste products

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jul 2020

Hydrokinetic Turbine

A microgrid solution for off-grid communities

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Mar 2021

Darwin

A digital tool dedicated to operational efficiency of renewable energy farms

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

May 2023

Use case available

Flatmate

The Sanura Flatmate is the most cost-effective shower heat exchanger for saving energy in existing showers

Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Flatmate by Sanura implemented by de Alliantie in Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 2021

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

SOLIS Daylighting Collectors by Solight LTD implemented by The municipality of Herzliya in Herzliya (Israel) in 2022

BioVALO by IDEAL Environnement implemented by SCEA Du Mont Au Roux in Cléville (France) in 2021

Autonomous Lighting System by LEDCity AG implemented by SBB in Bern (Switzerland) in 2021

FLEXINERGY INFRASTRUCTURE by Evolution Energie implemented by Groupe ADP in Paris (France) in 2018

Optiwise® by Likewatt implemented by IDEE Energies in Courcy (France) in 2021

DaTEG 1.0 by GemaTEG Inc implemented by US Department Of Energy in Washington (United States) in 2023

Geothermal panel by Enerdrape implemented by Realstone in Lausanne (Switzerland) in 2021

Geothermal panel by Enerdrape implemented by Coop in Renens (Switzerland) in 2023

Geothermal panel by Enerdrape implemented by Next Immobilier SA in Aigle (Switzerland) in 2024

Geothermal panel by Enerdrape implemented by ENGIE in Paris (France) in 2025

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

Kiplo Energy Communities by Cleanwatts implemented by Izeda’s Fire Brigade in Bragança (Portugal) in 2024

Virtu by Naked Energy Limited implemented by The Oxfordshire Municipality in Oxford (United Kingdom) in 2022

TEYGO by Solamaz implemented by Ville de Saint-Georges in Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock (French Guiana) in 2024

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

Feel free to get in touch with us
pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com

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