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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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 2021

Use case available

Anaerobic bio-digester to proceed organic waste

A waste management solution that turns organic waste to energy and fertilizers

Agrifood & Natural Environment
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Mar 2022

Use case available

Bioreactor BioRenGaz

A modular and patented anaerobic digestion bioreactor to treat bio-waste

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Nov 2024

Use case available

soblue Multi-NRG Panel

soblue develops and implements advanced PVT systems that simultaneously generate electricity and heat from solar energy

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions

Oct 2024

FLAXTHOR®

Solar modules are exposed to a very short, high-intensity light pulse for delamination in our large-scale flashing unit.

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Anaerobic bio-digester to proceed organic waste by ENWISE implemented by Auchan in Shanghai (Afghanistan) in 2017

Bioreactor BioRenGaz by BioRenGaz implemented by Seppi Gaz in Issenheim (France) in 2024

soblue Multi-NRG Panel by Soblue implemented by Carrosserie Pfister AG in Herisau (Switzerland) in 2024

Paragon Pod by Paragon Mobility implemented by Vestas France in Sancheville (France) in 2020

Micro Hydro Turbine by POWERTURBINES implemented by Aqualia in Merida (Spain) in 2024

InteliPipes by Cann Forecast implemented by regional municipality of Peel in Mississauga (Canada) in 2021

DABBEL AI Control by DABBEL - Automation Intelligence GmbH implemented by Patrizia SE in Berlin (Germany) in 2022

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

GeoCassini by E-Cassini implemented by Veolia in Paris (France) in 2020

Quokka by h2gremm implemented by Toyota in Paris (France) in 2024

Solfium by Solfium Inc. implemented by Café K’airo in Santiago de Querétaro (Mexico) in 2023

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

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

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

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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