Solutions to the energy crisis

How to achieve sustainable energy?

Over the last two centuries, energy needs have skyrocketed dramatically, especially because of the transportation and industry sectors. However, fossil fuel are polluting and their reserves are limited. We know today that these resources are close to exhaustion and our societies are facing a major challenge: the energy crisis.

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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Sun-Ways
Apr 2023
Use case available

Sun-Ways

A removable solar power plant placed between the rails of a railroad, allowing to exploit large unused surfaces

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
  • Buildings & Constructions
Energy Station Plus
Feb 2020

Energy Station Plus

A basic solar off grid access to lighting and phone charging

  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Biochar at scale
Apr 2025
Use case available

Biochar at scale

A scalable biochar production system leveraging agricultural residues, suited for developing countries

  • Agrifood & Natural Environment
Smappee Infinity
Feb 2021

Smappee Infinity

An all-in-one energy management ecosystem for commercial, industrial & residential use

  • Buildings & Constructions
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Sun-Ways by Sun-Ways implemented by transN Transports publics neuchâtelois in Buttes (Switzerland) in 2025

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

WAISENSE COMFORT by Waisense implemented by Private owner, with a family of 4 members in Madrid (Spain) in 2022

Tamturbo Touch-Free Compressor Technology by Tamturbo implemented by A global brewery factory in Westfall (United States) in 2021

R' Booster by Air Booster implemented by Api distribution in Bordeaux (France) in 2024

R' Booster by Air Booster implemented by Union des industries et métiers de la métallurgie - UIMM in Bruges (France) in 2024

R' Booster by Air Booster implemented by RATP in Montreuil (France) in 2025

Géostockage by ACCENTA implemented by Airbus in Toulouse-Blagnac (France) in 2019

Géostockage by ACCENTA implemented by Prologis in Moissy-Cramayel (France) in 2023

Solar Thermal Decarbonization by TVP SOLAR implemented by PepsiCo in Sete Lagoas (Brazil) in 2022

WITT 6D WEC POWER by WITTEnergy implemented by US Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Seattle (United States) in 2023

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

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

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by The New Makers in Delft (Netherlands) in 2025

06. Conclusion

Energy crisis prevention

The good news is that there are ways to reduce the energy crisis:

  1. 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.
  2.  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