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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Feb 2019

Eco Chiller

Energy recovery from water heated vaporization for industrial cooling water storage

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

Mar 2022

Use case available

Tiamat Sodium-ion cells

High power and fast-charging sodium-ion cells for electric vehicles

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

Sep 2020

DizzitUp, Brighter, Lively homes

All-in-one solar electricity and web access for empowering household & shops in emerging countries

Buildings & Constructions
Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Nov 2020

Use case available

SolarLEAF Energy Storage

A modular energy storage system for large-scale building applications

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Tiamat Sodium-ion cells by Tiamat Energy implemented by Adeo in Lille (France) in 2023

SolarLEAF Energy Storage by Yotta Energy implemented by Municipality of Charlotte in Charlotte (United States) in 2024

DaTEG 1.0 by GemaTEG Inc implemented by US Department Of Energy in Washington (United States) in 2023

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

Eco Wave Power - Wave Energy by Eco Wave Power implemented by The Port of Los Angeles in Los Angeles (United States) in 2025

Eco Wave Power - Wave Energy by Eco Wave Power implemented by EDF Renewables IL in Tel Aviv, Jaffa (Israel) in 2023

GenCell A5 off-grid energy solution by GenCell Energy implemented by Vodafone Mobile in Bucharest (Romania) in 2022

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

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

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

SOLIS Daylighting Collectors by Solight LTD implemented by The municipality of Herzliya in Herzliya (Israel) in 2022

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

Utilit-e by Odit-e implemented by Gazélec in Péronne (France) in 2021

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

Move Heat 2 Cold by Water Horizon implemented by Toulouse Métropole in Toulouse (France) in 2020

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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