Energy Crisis

 Energy crisis is the condition at which nonrenewable energy resource is finished up and substitute of that is not available at that time.

Various Causes of the Global Energy Crisis

It would be easy to point the finger at one practice or industry and lay the blame for the entire energy crisis at their door, but that would be a very naive and unrealistic interpretation of the cause of the crisis.

 

1. Overconsumption

The energy crisis is a result of many different strains on our natural resources, not just one. There is a strain on fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal due to overconsumption – which then, in turn, can put a strain on our water and oxygen resources by causing pollution.

 

2. Overpopulation

Another cause of the crisis has been a steady increase in the world’s population and its demands for fuel and products. No matter what type of food or products you choose to use – from fair trade and organic to those made from petroleum products in a sweatshop – not one of them is made or transported without a significant drain on our energy resources.

 

3. Poor Infrastructure

Aging infrastructure of power generating equipment is yet another reason for energy shortage. Most of the energy-producing firms keep on using outdated equipment that restricts the production of energy. It is the responsibility of utilities to keep on upgrading the infrastructure and set a high standard of performance.

  

4. Unexplored Renewable Energy Options

Renewable energy still remains unused in most of the countries. Most of the energy comes from non-renewable sources like coal. It, therefore, remains the top choice to produce energy.

 

Unless we give renewable energy a serious thought, the problem of energy crisis cannot be solved. Renewable energy sources can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 

5. Delay in Commissioning of Power Plants

In a few countries, there is a significant delay in the commissioning of new power plants that can fill the gap between demand and supply of energy. The result is that old plants come under huge stress to meet the daily demand for power. When supply doesn’t match demand, it results in load-shedding and breakdown.

 

6. Wastage of Energy

In most parts of the world, people do not realize the importance of conserving energy. It is only limited to books, the internet, newspaper ads, lip service, and seminars. Unless we give it a serious thought, things are not going to change anytime sooner.

 

Simple things like switching off fans and lights when not in use, using maximum daylight, walking instead of driving for short distances, using CFL instead of traditional bulbs, proper insulation for leakage of energy can go a long way in saving energy.

7. Poor Distribution System

Frequent tripping and breakdown are a result of a poor distribution system.

 

8. Major Accidents and Natural Calamities

Major accidents like pipeline burst and natural calamities like the eruption of volcanoes, floods, earthquakes can also cause interruptions to energy supplies. The huge gap between supply and demand for energy can raise the price of essential items, which can give rise to inflation.

 

9. Wars and Attacks

Wars between countries can also hamper the supply of energy, especially if it happens in Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, UAE, or Qatar. That’s what happened during the 1990 Gulf war when the price of oil reached its peak causing global shortages and created major problems for energy consumers.

 

10. Miscellaneous Factors

Tax hikes, strikes, military coup, political events, severe hot summers or cold winters can cause a sudden increase in demand for energy and can choke supply. A strike by trade unions in an oil-producing firm can cause an energy crisis