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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Jun 2023

Use case available

VG Holz

A green roof using IoT sensors to insulate, capture rainwater, and reduce the heat islands in cities.

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Oct 2019

MISER Hydraulic Hybrid Transmission

A transmission solution to regenerative braking and engine optimization for any vehicle size

Mobility
Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

Sep 2023

Use case available

R.E.D.S. (Renewable Energy Digit System)

A solution of real-time electricity traceability, based on blockchain, enabling innovative green and local offer

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Mar 2021

Vibration Energy Harvesting Power Pod

A Solution to charge 'Internet of Things' sensors and reduce landfill waste and toxins

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

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

R.E.D.S. (Renewable Energy Digit System) by Volterres implemented by Valenciennes Métropole in Beuvrages (France) in 2020

Coomtech Kinetic Energy Drying System by Coomtech Ltd implemented by Hive Aggregates in Retford (United Kingdom) in 2023

Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) by GE Vernova implemented by Kraftwerk Linth-Limmern (KLL) AG in Linthal (Switzerland) in 2008

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

GridEye by Depsys implemented by SED2 in Monthey (Switzerland) in 2016

Eliq Utility Customer Engagement Platform by Eliq implemented by Schneider Electric in Rueil-Malmaison (France) in 2022

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

MAN ETES (Electro Thermal Energy Storage) by MAN Energy Solutions Schweiz AG implemented by DIN Forsyning in Esbjerg (Denmark) in 2023

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

Krishiraj MUFT Multi-Utility Farming Tool by Sukoon Solutions implemented by Mr. Deshraj Dayal in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh (India) in 2021

Tamturbo Touch-Free Compressor Technology by Tamturbo implemented by A global brewery factory in Westfall (United States) in 2021

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

Philéole by Phileole S. A. implemented by Foutaine Pajo /Lagoon in La Rochelle (France) in 2024

Philéole by Phileole S. A. implemented by Skypark Business Center, Luxembourg Airport in Luxembourg (Luxembourg) in 2025

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:

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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