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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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 2020

Use case available

Desolenator

A solar-powered distillation system for sustainable desalination of complex water supplies

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Feb 2020

SEU 2/5 TDC

A co-generation photovoltaic station capable of producing both electric and thermal energy

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Apr 2020

Multi-thread geometry hydrodynamic turbine

Innovative hydroelectric turbines for sustainable energy production

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Jun 2021

Ather 450X

A zero compromise high performance electric vehicle

Mobility

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Desolenator by Desolenator implemented by Silal in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) in 2023

Desolenator by Desolenator implemented by Carlsberg Group in Bengal (India) in 2020

Desolenator by Desolenator implemented by Dubai Water and Electricity Authority in Dubaï (United Arab Emirates) in 2022

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

SMATCH by ENGIE implemented by Equans in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2022

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

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

More Circularity Less Mining by GreenIron implemented by Vale in Sandviken (Sweden) in 2025

Climkit Community by Climkit SA implemented by Société Coopérative d'Habitation Charmontey in Vevey (Switzerland) in 2018

EVA & ELISA: EV charging solutions by Wattsy implemented by JCDecaux in Paris (France) in 2024

Utilit-e by Odit-e implemented by Gazélec in Péronne (France) in 2021

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

Power-to-X modular chemical plants by Ineratec implemented by MPC Containerships, UNITI e.V. in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) in 2024

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by The Green Village, Woon Friesland, Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draaisma, Bewonersraad Friesland in Delft (Netherlands) in 2021

Hamwells Blue by Hamwells implemented by Megaplex in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in 2023

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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