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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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 2019

Use case available

CoolRoof

An extreme white coating that captures 95% of sun heat on buildings roof

Buildings & Constructions

Aug 2023

Smart solar set

Smart solar set for your balcony which serves as a privacy screen and saves 25% on electricity bills

Buildings & Constructions

Apr 2023

Cellomur® Ultra ECA

A new generation of low carbon EPS insulation dedicated to external thermal insulation

Buildings & Constructions

Jul 2020

CalWave Wave Energy Converter

Generating electricity from the power of the ocean

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

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

Solar Cloth thin film photovoltaic panel by Solar Cloth implemented by French Institute for Agronomic Research in Antibes (France) in 2021

Solar Cloth thin film photovoltaic panel by Solar Cloth implemented by EDF in Paris (France) in 2024

efficiency PACK: cost-efficient heat recovery by Orcan Energy AG implemented by Wittekind Hugo Miebach Söhne KG in Erwitte (Germany) in 2022

Comwatt power by Comwatt implemented by Ikea France in Multiple cities (France) in 2019

SynchroGuard by Zaphiro Technologies implemented by SIG Services Industriels de Genève in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2024

Smartec by Salvi Lighting implemented by Energy Development Corporation Limited in Kigali (Rwanda) in 2022

Kheoos Market by kheoos implemented by Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand (France) in 2021

Hivenet by Hivenet implemented by Inria (French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology) in Le Chesnay Cedex (France) in 2022

Lungs of the City by ENS Clean Air implemented by City of Eindhoven, Eindhoven University in Eindhoven (Netherlands) in 2018

Lungs of the City by ENS Clean Air implemented by Interparking NV in Brussels (Belgium) in 2024

R8 Digital Operator Jenny by R8 Technologies implemented by Marriott Sopot Resort & Spa Hotel in Sopot (Poland) in 2023

SCAN by Geosophy by Geosophy implemented by IDF Investissements et Territoires in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (France) in 2022

HeliaSol by Heliatek implemented by ENGIE in La Rochelle (France) in 2017

Krishiraj MUFT Multi-Utility Farming Tool by Sukoon Solutions implemented by Mr. Deshraj Dayal in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh (India) 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.

Connect with us

Any questions

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

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