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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Nov 2024

Use case available

Elemental Water Source

Producing a reliable supply of affordable clean water using only the sea and sun

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jul 2020

Eco H2®

A waste-to-energy solution to produce hydrogen from organic waste products

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

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

Jun 2023

Generma Wave Energy

The power of sea and ocean waves is converted to electricity through a clean and safe solution with high efficiency

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Elemental Water Source by Elemental Water Makers implemented by Save the Children in Hafun (Somalia) in 2023

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

STOLECT Carnot Battery by Stolect implemented by SNCF in Rennes (France) in 2022

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

EcoPlanet/Susteno by Holcim implemented by HSG Foundation in Saint Gallen (Switzerland) in 2016

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

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

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

Carbon Negative Web Hosting Services by Neutral-IT implemented by City of Paris in Paris (France) in 2016

Attributes Power by Attributes implemented by Air Products in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier (France) in 2018

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

Electro Solar Boat by Millikan Boats implemented by Sea Connect in Saint Mandrier (France) in 2025

eDyn Dynamic Public Lighting by JDC Electronic S.A. implemented by Service des Energies Yverdon-les-Bains in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) in 2020

LM INNOVATION technology by LM Innovation implemented by Astredhor Sud Ouest - France in Bordeaux (France) in 2023

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

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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