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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

Dec 2024

Use case available

Flexibuster

Small-scale anaerobic digestion plant to convert organic waste on-site into electricity, heat, fertiliser and water.

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

Sep 2020

Use case available

Autonomous Lighting System

An intelligent lighting system for significant reduction in energy consumption

Buildings & Constructions

Mar 2023

Demand Response Platform - Mon Chauffage Electrique Connecté

A residential demand response solution which is hardware-agnostic, based on a profit-sharing business model

Buildings & Constructions
Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

May 2023

Use case available

Flatmate

The Sanura Flatmate is the most cost-effective shower heat exchanger for saving energy in existing showers

Buildings & Constructions

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Flexibuster by SEaB Energy implemented by Sepur in Thieverval-Grignon (France) in 2019

Autonomous Lighting System by LEDCity AG implemented by SBB in Bern (Switzerland) in 2021

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

Li-Cycle Technology by LI-CYCLE CORP. implemented by Glencore in Toronto (Canada) in 2024

Absolicon Robotic Solar Concentrator Production Line by Absolicon Solar Concentrator implemented by Absolicon in Härnösand (Sweden) in 2019

SOLARBOX by Sun Soak Design implemented by Stephano Immo in Brussels (Belgium) in 2021

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

Comwatt power by Comwatt implemented by Ikea France in Multiple cities (France) in 2019

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

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

Attributes Power by Attributes implemented by Air Products in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier (France) in 2018

Electric-Hydrogen Propulsion by GreenGT implemented by Migros Geneva in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2023

Hydrelio® by Ciel & Terre International implemented by AKUO in Piolenc (France) in 2019

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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