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 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated equipments that limits energy production.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

05. Implementations

Energy crisis solutions implementations

iPyramid 1 - Flat Rooftop Solar Cogeneration by MAXUN Solar implemented by BentallGreenOak in Ottawa (Canada) in 2020

Lepido by Enjay AB implemented by Burger King Scandinavia in Malmö (Sweden) in 2021

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

DABBEL AI Control by DABBEL - Automation Intelligence GmbH implemented by Patrizia SE in Berlin (Germany) in 2022

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

SolarLEAF Energy Storage by Yotta Energy implemented by Municipality of Charlotte in Charlotte (United States) in 2024

Geopannel Ecological Insulation Solution by GEOPANNEL implemented by IES Hermanos d’Elhuyar in Logrono (Spain) in 2022

Lungs of the City by ENS Clean Air implemented by City of Eindhoven, Eindhoven University in Eindhoven (Netherlands) in 2018

Lungs of the City by ENS Clean Air implemented by Interparking NV in Brussels (Belgium) in 2024

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

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

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

Tiko by tiko Energy Solutions AG implemented by Régie Immobilière de la Ville de Paris in Paris (France) in 2021

Tiko by tiko Energy Solutions AG implemented by Mobility in Zürich (Switzerland) in 2022

GEH2 ® - The Hydrogen fuel cell power generator by EODev (Energy Observer Developments) implemented by Eneria Belgium in Wachtebeke (Belgium) in 2024

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

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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