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.

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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Floating Drum Turbine
Sep 2020
Use case available

Floating Drum Turbine

A solution for providing electricity to undeveloped areas having some water stream resources

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
FLASC - Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage
Jun 2020

FLASC - Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage

Safe, reliable and scalable energy storage, designed specifically for offshore applications

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
  • Buildings & Constructions
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
Oceanwings
Aug 2021

Oceanwings

A two-element wingsail installed on vessels which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 45%

  • Mobility
  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Floating Drum Turbine by Green Energy Development Co. implemented by Alborz Caspian Fish Farm in Karaj (Iran) in 2020

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

HelioRec - floating solar technology by HelioRec implemented by Brest Port in Brest (France) in 2023

WindBox by WIND my ROOF implemented by Rouen Habitat in Rouen (France) in 2022

Sea Water Air Conditioning SWAC by PACIFIC BEACHCOMBER implemented by Tahiti Hospital in Papeete (French Polynesia) in 2022

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

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

Lepido by Enjay AB implemented by Burger King Scandinavia in Malmö (Sweden) in 2021

ChargeGuru EV Charging Solution by ChargeGuru implemented by Hôtel bois d’Imbert in Rocamadour (France) in 2021

Mangrove Technology Platform by Planet srl. implemented by Municipality of Tinos in Tinos Island (Greece) (Greece) in 2020

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

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

QED Naval Limited and Tocardo Turbines by QED Naval Limited implemented by EU Interreg Tiger Project and ORE Catapult in Yarmouth (United Kingdom) in 2023

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

iPyramid 1 - Flat Rooftop Solar Cogeneration by MAXUN Solar implemented by BentallGreenOak in Ottawa (Canada) in 2020

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