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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Sep 2024

Use case available

Absolicon T160 Solar Collector

A solar thermal concentrator providing heat and steam up to 160 C for industries and district heating, easy to mass-produce and install

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Aug 2025

Use case available

Arena Solar

A solar floor that generates clean energy on rooftops, terraces, or parking areas in buildings

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Mar 2021

DEA Water Saving Device

A low cost and fast amortization device for water and gas savings

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Aug 2021

Eturnity Renewable Software Solution

A software solution to support sales representatives in the energy field during the lifecycle of a new renewable energy system

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions
Mobility

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Absolicon T160 Solar Collector by Absolicon Solar Concentrator implemented by Birra Peroni in Bari (Italy) in 2023

Absolicon T160 Solar Collector by Absolicon Solar Concentrator implemented by Chelal Tea Factory in Kebenet (Kenya) in 2024

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

Elonroad electric road system by Elonroad AB implemented by AISIN in Mons (Belgium) in 2024

MATCH Slate/Tile by Megasol Energie AG implemented by The municipality of Saas-Fee in Saas-Fee (Switzerland) in 2022

MATCH Slate/Tile by Megasol Energie AG implemented by Caisse de pension de l'État de Vaud in Lausanne (Switzerland) in 2019

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

Behavioural Insights platform by Advizzo (Part of Calisen group) implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) in 2016

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

Enverse SkyBridge by Enverse implemented by Hinckley Recycling in Lagos (Nigeria) in 2024

EcoBurner Waterless Chafing Dishes by EcoBurner Products Ltd implemented by Fairmont Hotels in Singapore (Singapore) in 2024

SmartgridOne by Eniris implemented by SMPL Energie in Hasselt (Belgium) in 2024

Renewex Energy Platform by Renewex implemented by Arkolia Énergies in Montpellier (France) in 2022

Biochar at scale by NetZero implemented by Nespresso in Paraguaçu (Brazil) in 2024

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

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

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Any questions

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

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