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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

ASTRION
Dec 2023

ASTRION

A software to detect mechanical defects, earlier and more reliably, on rotating machine

  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
VETAR
Dec 2024

VETAR

A next-generation wind turbine

  • Buildings & Constructions
  • Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Philips PowerBalance
Oct 2019

Philips PowerBalance

An energy-efficient led luminaire ensuring a comfortable working environment

  • Buildings & Constructions
Go To-U
Oct 2020
Use case available

Go To-U

Delivers a seamless EV charging experience with comfort, confidence and simplicity

  • Mobility
  • Buildings & Constructions
View more

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Go To-U by GO TO-U implemented by TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) in 2023

Go To-U by GO TO-U implemented by ABB in Zurich (Switzerland) in 2022

Go To-U by GO TO-U implemented by NYSERDA - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in New York (United States) in 2024

Go To-U by GO TO-U implemented by Uman Hub in Kyiv (Ukraine) in 2023

Tiamat Sodium-ion cells by Tiamat Energy implemented by Adeo in Lille (France) in 2023

Wind Tulips by FLOWER TURBINES implemented by City of Nissewaard in Nissewaard (Netherlands) in 2022

Akila Digital twin platform by Akila implemented by Groupe SNCF in Monte-Carlo (Monaco) in 2024

CoolRoof by Cool Roof France implemented by Brico Dépôt in Brive-la-Gaillarde (France) in 2021

CoolRoof by Cool Roof France implemented by Pullman Dakar Teranga Hotel in Dakar (Senegal) in 2021

InteliPipes by Cann Forecast implemented by regional municipality of Peel in Mississauga (Canada) in 2021

Elonroad electric road system by Elonroad AB implemented by AISIN in Mons (Belgium) in 2024

SynchroGuard by Zaphiro Technologies implemented by SIG Services Industriels de Genève in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2024

ChargeGuru EV Charging Solution by ChargeGuru implemented by Hôtel bois d’Imbert in Rocamadour (France) in 2021

Biochar at scale by NetZero implemented by Nespresso in Paraguaçu (Brazil) in 2024

RetroKit Energy Upscaling Technology by RetroKit Ltd implemented by Cork City Council in Cork (Ireland) in 2020

CO₂ network by ExerGo implemented by HES-SO Sion in Sion (Switzerland) in 2022

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.

Connect with us



Any questions

Feel free to get in touch with us
pauline.michiels@solarimpulse.com