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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Jan 2021

Solvaclean

Fluorine gas mixtures as an environmentally friendly cleaning gas alternative for semiconductors

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Apr 2025

Use case available

TEYGO

A modular stucture for fotovoltaic solar plant for remote areas, easily transportable and quick to install

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Apr 2020

Use case available

Eocycle/EO25 Distributed Wind Turbine

A non-intrusive direct-drive certified wind turbine for reliable distributed powerer production

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

May 2022

Boostherm

Heat recovery from cooling systems to produce free and eco-responsible hot water

Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

TEYGO by Solamaz implemented by Ville de Saint-Georges in Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock (French Guiana) in 2024

Eocycle/EO25 Distributed Wind Turbine by Eocycle Technologies Inc implemented by TARIMÖZ in Istanbul (Turkey) in 2024

Micro Hydro Turbine by POWERTURBINES implemented by Aqualia in Merida (Spain) in 2024

Bio-sourced vertical axis wind turbine by Phileole S. A. implemented by Foutaine Pajo /Lagoon in La Rochelle (France) in 2024

Bio-sourced vertical axis wind turbine by Phileole S. A. implemented by Skypark Business Center, Luxembourg Airport in Luxembourg (Luxembourg) in 2025

Bio-sourced vertical axis wind turbine by Phileole S. A. implemented by International airport Luxembourg in Luxembourg (Luxembourg) in 2025

Absolicon Robotic Solar Concentrator Production Line by Absolicon Solar Concentrator implemented by Absolicon in Härnösand (Sweden) in 2019

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

Passive Variable Geometry by Windcity implemented by ITI-CERTH Information Technology Institute - Center for Research & Technology Hellas in Thessaloniki (Greece) in 2024

Wind Tulips by FLOWER TURBINES implemented by City of Nissewaard in Nissewaard (Netherlands) in 2022

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by The Green Village, Woon Friesland, Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draaisma, Bewonersraad Friesland in Delft (Netherlands) in 2021

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by Megaplex in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2023

Multidrains geothermal wells by ENGIE implemented by City of Velizy-Villacoublay (France) in Velizy-Villacoublay (France) in 2021

Speed-O-Clar by Densiline implemented by Agglomération du Bocage Bressuirais in Bressuire (France) in 2022

VoltControl Stabilizers by VoltControl implemented by Commune de Collombey-Muraz in Collombey-muraz (Switzerland) in 2021

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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