Solutions to the energy crisis

How to achieve sustainable energy?

Over the last two centuries, energy needs have skyrocketed dramatically, especially because of the transportation and industry sectors. However, fossil fuel are polluting and their reserves are limited. We know today that these resources are close to exhaustion and our societies are facing a major challenge: the energy crisis.

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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

STOLECT Carnot Battery
Jul 2025
Use case available

STOLECT Carnot Battery

A battery that stores electricity by heating refractory materials to integrate more renewable energy into the power grid

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Revozona Sustainable Textiles
Dec 2023

Revozona Sustainable Textiles

A disruptive ozone technology enables the production of sustainable fashion and home textiles

  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
TricyLift
Nov 2023

TricyLift

A cargo bike able to lift loads and containerized goods for an efficient multimodal last mile logistics

  • Mobility
Utilit-e
Dec 2020
Use case available

Utilit-e

A Software as a Service Solution that strives to digitalize energy distribution networks to make flexibility possible

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

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

Utilit-e by Odit-e implemented by Gazélec in Péronne (France) in 2021

Solar platform for value chain decarbonization by Solfium Inc. implemented by Café K’airo in Santiago de Querétaro (Mexico) in 2023

Solar platform for value chain decarbonization by Solfium Inc. implemented by Coca-Cola in Pachuca (Mexico) in 2024

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

Tamturbo Touch-Free Compressor Technology by Tamturbo implemented by A global brewery factory in Westfall (United States) 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

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

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

RelaySmartOne : the remote controlled relay by DFM-Europe implemented by Media Transport in Paris (France) in 2023

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

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

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

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

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

06. Conclusion

Energy crisis prevention

The good news is that there are ways to reduce the energy crisis:

  1. 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.
  2.  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