Solutions to the energy crisis

How to achieve sustainable energy?

Over the last two centuries, energy needs have skyrocketed dramatically, especially because of the transportation and industry sectors. However, fossil fuel are polluting and their reserves are limited. We know today that these resources are close to exhaustion and our societies are facing a major challenge: the energy crisis.

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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Vertuoz Control
Nov 2019
Use case available

Vertuoz Control

An artificial intelligence-based solution for heating & lightning control of small buildings

  • Buildings & Constructions
Candles Killer
Apr 2020

Candles Killer

A safer, brighter and cheaper lightning alternative to candles and kerosene lamps

  • Industrial Processes & Consumer Goods
Stykon® lighweight solar panel
Feb 2025

Stykon® lighweight solar panel

An ultra-lightweight photovoltaic solar panel for building rooftops that cannot support the weight of conventional panel

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
SPRHOUT
Apr 2021

SPRHOUT

A solar thermal-based energy system for operating a greenhouse farm

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Vertuoz Control by ENGIE implemented by Department of Loir-et-Cher in Blois (France) in 2019

Joulia-Inline & Joulia-Twinline by Joulia SA implemented by Freilager in Zurich (Switzerland) in 2022

Joulia-Inline & Joulia-Twinline by Joulia SA implemented by Gangloff Immobilien AG in Bern (Switzerland) in 2022

Joulia-Inline & Joulia-Twinline by Joulia SA implemented by Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern in Lucerne (Switzerland) in 2024

Excess Materials Exchange (EME) by Excess Materials Exchange implemented by Enfield Council in Einfield (United Kingdom) in 2022

Virtu by Naked Energy Limited implemented by The Oxfordshire Municipality in Oxford (United Kingdom) in 2022

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

Carbon Negative Web Hosting Services by Neutral-IT implemented by City of Paris in Paris (France) in 2016

PV LifeBox Water Pumping & Desalination by Noornation implemented by LBX Ways Kherbawy Faem in Kafr Al-Sheikh (Egypt) in 2023

BrainBox AI by BrainBox AI Inc. implemented by Mountain Development Corp. in Roseland (United States) in 2021

Floating Drum Turbine by Green Energy Development Co. implemented by Alborz Caspian Fish Farm in Karaj (Iran) in 2020

Passive Variable Geometry by Windcity implemented by ITI-CERTH Information Technology Institute - Center for Research & Technology Hellas in Thessaloniki (Greece) in 2024

EnerTwin by Micro Turbine Technology (MTT) implemented by City of Dresden (Germany) in Dresden (Germany) in 2019

Flatmate by Sanura implemented by de Alliantie in Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 2021

Smartec by Salvi Lighting implemented by Energy Development Corporation Limited in Kigali (Rwanda) in 2022

ScaleBuster ISBF by Ion Enterprises implemented by DeBackey Medical Center in Houston Texas (United States) in 2015

06. Conclusion

Energy crisis prevention

The good news is that there are ways to reduce the energy crisis:

  1. 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.
  2.  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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pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com