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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Jul 2020

REE4EU

Closed-loop rare earths recycling process for hybrid and electric vehicles

Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Sep 2021

Use case available

SageGlass

A dynamic glazing that electronically tints to control the daylight and heat in buildings

Buildings & Constructions

Aug 2023

TectorTherm System

Multilayer insulation system applied to the facades of buildings to improve their energy efficiency.

Buildings & Constructions

Sep 2020

DizzitUp, Brighter, Lively homes

All-in-one solar electricity and web access for empowering household & shops in emerging countries

Buildings & Constructions
Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods

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

Eco Wave Power - Wave Energy by Eco Wave Power implemented by The Port of Los Angeles in Los Angeles (United States) in 2025

Eco Wave Power - Wave Energy by Eco Wave Power implemented by EDF Renewables IL in Tel Aviv, Jaffa (Israel) in 2023

Photovoltaics 4.0 by Clever Solar Devices implemented by IGNIS in Escatron (Spain) in 2022

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

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

Shotl On-Demand Transit Platform by Shotl implemented by Vallirana City Council in Vallirana (Spain) in 2018

Shotl On-Demand Transit Platform by Shotl implemented by Trentino Trasporti in Trento (Italy) in 2023

Shotl On-Demand Transit Platform by Shotl implemented by Mybuxi in Herzogenbuchsee (Switzerland) in 2019

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

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

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

Gramitherm by Gramitherm Europe SA implemented by City of Charleroi in Couillet (France) in 2021

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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