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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Apr 2021

HYCCO's Bipolar Plates

A new generation of composite bipolar plates for fuel cells

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Jun 2020

Institutional Solar Thermal Cooking Stove

A thermal solar cooking system for institutional cooking within schools and hospitals

Buildings & Constructions

Feb 2021

BiON : Biological Methanation

A biological process for energy storage and transport in the natural gas grid

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jan 2025

SPK Desalination

A wave desalination and power plants, operate using the renewable energy of sea waves and currents.

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Inductive charging solution for electric vehicles by Upandcharge implemented by City of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (France) in 2025

Behavioural Insights platform by Advizzo (Part of Calisen group) implemented by Severn Trent Water in Coventry (United Kingdom) in 2023

CoolRoof by Cool Roof France implemented by Brico Dépôt in Brive-la-Gaillarde (France) in 2021

CoolRoof by Cool Roof France implemented by Pullman Dakar Teranga Hotel in Dakar (Senegal) in 2021

Sympheny by Urban Sympheny AG implemented by IBC Energie Wasser Chur in Dübendorf (Switzerland) in 2020

Electric-Hydrogen Propulsion by GreenGT implemented by Migros Geneva in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2023

InteliPipes by Cann Forecast implemented by Regional Municipality of Peel in Mississauga (Canada) in 2021

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

STOLECT Carnot Battery by Stolect implemented by SNCF in Rennes (France) in 2022

Agrivoltaics - Solar & Agriculture co-location by Ether Energy implemented by Namur Agri Energie in Namur (Belgium) in 2023

Tiamat Sodium-ion cells by Tiamat Energy implemented by Adeo in Lille (France) in 2023

SageGlass by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain International AG implemented by Schneider Electric in Grenoble (France) in 2020

SageGlass by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain International AG implemented by Greisch in Liège (Belgium) in 2022

SageGlass by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain International AG implemented by Nestlé S.A. in Vevey (France) in 2020

Mangrove Technology Platform by Planet srl. implemented by Municipality of Tinos in Tinos Island (Greece) (Greece) in 2020

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

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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