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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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 2024

Use case available

Zypho®

A range of passive shower wastewater heat recovery systems that preheat shower water in buildings lowering energy consumption

Buildings & Constructions

Apr 2023

Use case available

Sun-Ways

A removable solar power plant placed between the rails of a railroad, allowing to exploit large unused surfaces

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Buildings & Constructions

Jan 2020

Use case available

Omniled

A fully autonomous smart energy infrastructure for urban and remote applications

Buildings & Constructions

Nov 2020

MRE Hydrogen Generators

Efficient generation of hydrogen to provide a cost effective fuel and energy storage

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Zypho® by Aliaxis implemented by Premier Inn Hotel in Douglas (Isle of Man) in 2019

Sun-Ways by Sun-Ways implemented by transN Transports publics neuchâtelois in Buttes (Switzerland) in 2025

Omniled by Omniflow implemented by Câmara Municipal de Vila Franca de Xira in Vila Franca de Xira (Portugal) in 2025

Behavioural Insights platform by Advizzo (Part of Calisen group) implemented by Severn Trent Water in Coventry (United Kingdom) in 2023

Behavioural Insights platform by Advizzo (Part of Calisen group) implemented by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) in 2016

Celsius Energy by Celsius Energy implemented by Schlumberger in Clamart (France) in 2020

Celsius Energy by Celsius Energy implemented by Optic 2000 in Clamart (France) in 2022

Celsius Energy by Celsius Energy implemented by Vinci Construction in Nanterre (France) in 2022

Celsius Energy by Celsius Energy implemented by Zac Ferney Genève Innovation in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2023

METRON Energy management by METRON implemented by SIBELGA in Brussels (Belgium) in 2009

Solar Thermal Decarbonization by TVP SOLAR implemented by PepsiCo in Sete Lagoas (Brazil) in 2022

Hydrogen electric powertrain for aviation by ZeroAvia implemented by Royal Schiphol Group in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2021

CarbonLnk by Lnk Technologies implemented by City & Provincial Properties in London (United Kingdom) in 2024

Emma 3.0 by Aurora's Grid implemented by Romande Energie SA in Morges (Switzerland) in 2022

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

Eco Touch by OGGA implemented by OGGA in Meulan-en-Yvelines (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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