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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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 2022

Akila Digital twin platform

A digital twin platform to optimise the environmental impact and operation of buildings

Buildings & Constructions

Feb 2021

EFFIWATT HAIR DRYERS

Reduce energy consumption while maintaining drying performance

Buildings & Constructions

Feb 2021

Smart Solar System Configurations

An intelligent solar system platform for residential and commercial buildings

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

May 2022

Use case available

eDyn Dynamic Public Lighting

Street-lighting intensity controller for decreasing energy consumption by motion detection

Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

eDyn Dynamic Public Lighting by JDC Electronic S.A. implemented by Service des Energies Yverdon-les-Bains in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) in 2020

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

PurePilot by Purecontrol implemented by Rennes Métropole in Rennes (France) in 2020

Lepido by Enjay AB implemented by Burger King Scandinavia in Malmö (Sweden) in 2021

CarbonLnk by Lnk Technologies implemented by City & Provincial Properties in London (United Kingdom) in 2024

Power-to-X modular chemical plants by Ineratec implemented by MPC Containerships, UNITI e.V. in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) in 2024

Akeptus by Akeptus™ implemented by Ben and Jerry’s in South Burlington (United States) in 2021

ODYSSEY by SEED-Energy implemented by Territoire d’Innovation in Ferney-Voltaire (France) in 2020

Next Generation Dry-air GIS by Nuventura implemented by Energienetze Steiermark in Prankh (Austria) in 2024

Zephir by Istya implemented by Paris 2024 Olympic Village in Paris (France) in 2021

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

DABBEL AI Control by DABBEL - Automation Intelligence GmbH implemented by Patrizia SE in Berlin (Germany) in 2022

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

Smartec by Salvi Lighting implemented by Energy Development Corporation Limited in Kigali (Rwanda) in 2022

SFERENO PRO by SFERENO implemented by City of Lille in Lille (France) in 2019

CO₂ network by ExerGo implemented by HES-SO Sion in Sion (Switzerland) 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.

Connect with us

Any questions

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

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