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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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 2019

Agrinergie®

Accelerating the ecological transition between agriculture and energy production in territories

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)
Agrifood & Natural Environment

Feb 2021

Energy-saving Immersion Cooling Solution

Immersion cooling for edge data centers

Buildings & Constructions

Jul 2020

Use case available

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels

A high-perfoming solar thermal technology for the production of hot water and steam

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

Jan 2022

Smart Photovoltaïc Tracker

Smart bi axis photovoltaic tracker for self-consumption for professional sites, individuals and agrivoltaic power plant

Utilities (Water, Energy, Waste)

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels by TVP SOLAR implemented by PepsiCo in Minas Gerais (Brazil) in 2022

Solar Thermal High-Vacuum Panels by TVP SOLAR implemented by Emmi Group in Langnau (Switzerland) in 2022

GridEye by Depsys implemented by SED2 in Monthey (Switzerland) in 2016

The Patented Plagazi Process by Plagazi AB (publ) implemented by Municipality of Köping in Köping (Sweden) in 2024

The Patented Plagazi Process by Plagazi AB (publ) implemented by Gotlandsbolaget in Båstad (Sweden) in 2022

FLEXINERGY INFRASTRUCTURE by Evolution Energie implemented by Groupe ADP in Paris (France) in 2018

MOBILE DRIVES INVERTERS by Bucher Hydraulics AG implemented by GINAF TRUCKS NEDERLAND B.V. in Amsterdam (Netherlands) in 2014

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

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

RelaySmartOne : the remote controlled relay by DFM-Europe implemented by Media Transport in Paris (France) in 2023

Smart Solar System Configurations by RenuLogix implemented by Homeowner in Los Angeles in Los Angeles (United States) in 2022

Ways2H Hydrogen Solution by Ways2H, Inc. implemented by United Kingdom in UK (United Kingdom) in 2021

Elemental Water Source by Elemental Water Makers implemented by Save the Children in Hafun (Somalia) in 2023

Micro Hydro Turbine by POWERTURBINES implemented by Aqualia in Merida (Spain) in 2024

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

Hydraloop by Hydraloop Systems BV implemented by Upgrade Real Estate in Ghent (Belgium) in 2022

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

Explorer for sustainability

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