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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Jul 2021

Holcim Base Vial

A special cement used to improve and stabilize soils for sustainable road construction

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Apr 2020

Use case available

MPower Ventures

A b2b ecosystem to unlock the potential of solar in africa

Buildings & Constructions
Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Sep 2019

Fresnel Solar Steam Generator

A solar solution for the generation of process steam at industrial facilities

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

Nov 2018

Storage GEM®

Smart energy management system in containerized storage units for rapid deployment

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

MPower Ventures by MPower Ventures implemented by Kamanjab Municipality in Kamanjab (Namibia) in 2024

METRON Energy management by METRON implemented by SIBELGA in Brussels (Belgium) in 2009

Urbio - AI software by Urbio implemented by Resolia in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium) in 2023

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

MOBILE DRIVES INVERTERS by Bucher Hydraulics AG implemented by GINAF TRUCKS NEDERLAND B.V. in Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 2014

WAGABOX® by Waga Energy implemented by Veolia in Claye-Souilly (France) in 2022

WAGABOX® by Waga Energy implemented by Air Liquide in Rockford (United States) in 2023

WAGABOX® by Waga Energy implemented by SUEZ in Milhac-d'Auberoche (France) in 2022

WAGABOX® by Waga Energy implemented by PreZero in Els Hostalets de Pierola (Spain) in 2023

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

Zephir by Istya implemented by Paris 2024 Olympic Village in Paris (France) in 2021

Edelsun by Edelsun implemented by Le Prestige Bar in Neuchatêl (Switzerland) in 2019

Eco Touch by OGGA implemented by OGGA in Meulan-en-Yvelines (France) in 2020

Hydrogen Power Module by Genevos implemented by Orkney Ferry in Kirkwall (United Kingdom) in 2021

MAN ETES (Electro Thermal Energy Storage) by MAN Energy Solutions Schweiz AG implemented by DIN Forsyning in Esbjerg (Denmark) in 2023

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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