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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Apr 2021

KLIMA-PUR

An energy efficient polyurethane foam frame for windows and doors

Buildings & Constructions

Apr 2021

HYCCO's Bipolar Plates

A new generation of composite bipolar plates for fuel cells

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Apr 2020

EFICIA smart building

24/7 energy center for remote control in buildings

Buildings & Constructions

Aug 2023

Predibat

A tool that helps to maintain, renovate real-estate assets and support in achieving ecological transition

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

SageGlass by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain International AG implemented by Schneider Electric in Grenoble (France) in 2020

SageGlass by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain International AG implemented by Greisch in Liège (Belgium) in 2022

SageGlass by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain International AG implemented by Nestlé S.A. in Vevey (France) in 2020

Thermogreen XPS by Thermogreen implemented by Aredal 2019 in Sotillo del Rincón (Spain) in 2024

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

Cooling as a Service by BASE implemented by Coop in Oslo (Norway) in 2021

Cooling as a Service by BASE implemented by Clover in Randburg (South Africa) in 2021

Gecko by QUANTIA SAS implemented by L'Oréal in Paris (France) in 2022

CO₂ network by ExerGo implemented by HES-SO Sion in Sion (Switzerland) in 2022

CO₂ network by ExerGo implemented by Groupe E in Fribourg (Switzerland) in 2026

Agrivoltaics - Solar & Agriculture co-location by Ether Energy implemented by Namur Agri Energie in Namur (Belgium) in 2023

VG Holz by Demet'Air implemented by Toulouse Métropole in Toulouse (France) in 2019

Moduly Nødz by Moduly implemented by Alabama Power in Birmingham (United States) in 2023

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels by TVP SOLAR implemented by PepsiCo in Minas Gerais (Brazil) in 2022

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels by TVP SOLAR implemented by Emmi Group in Langnau (Switzerland) in 2022

MyHEAT Solar Platform by MyHEAT implemented by City of Edmonton in Edmonton (Canada) in 2019

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.

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Any questions

Feel free to get in touch with us
pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com

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