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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

May 2021

Fish Friendly Free Flow Turbine

Innovative turbine system with uniquely high efficiency

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Sep 2021

Use case available

ChargeGuru EV Charging Solution

A digital platform to manage electric vehicles charging stations

Buildings & Constructions
Mobility

Jul 2023

HelloWatt App

Hello Watt App provides users with a detailed analysis and custom-made recommendations to reduce their energy bills

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Apr 2019

EarthSpark's Participant Power

Moving microgrid development towards market with renewable, reliable, resilient energy systems

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

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

WITT energy harvesting by WITTEnergy implemented by US Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Seattle (United States) in 2023

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

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

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

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

EcoStruxure ™ EV Charging Expert by Schneider Electric implemented by Renault in Guyancourt (France) in 2011

EcoStruxure ™ EV Charging Expert by Schneider Electric implemented by Montgomery County, Maryland in Montgomery (United States) in 2022

Vertuoz Control by ENGIE implemented by Department of Loir-et-Cher in Blois (France) in 2019

Ways2H Hydrogen Solution by Ways2H, Inc. implemented by United Kingdom in UK (United Kingdom) in 2021

Excess Materials Exchange (EME) by Excess Materials Exchange implemented by Enfield Council in Einfield (United Kingdom) in 2022

ULTRAWATT PRO BiPV Façade by ULTRAWATT PRO implemented by Riot House in Clermont-Ferrand (France) in 2023

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

Go To-U by GO TO-U implemented by TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) in 2023

Go To-U by GO TO-U implemented by ABB in Zurich (Switzerland) in 2022

Go To-U by GO TO-U implemented by NYSERDA - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in New York (United States) 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.

Connect with us

Any questions

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

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