Exploring the interdependence of two critical resources
Energy and Water
Two critical, interdependent resources
Global population who does not have access to safe drinking water
25%
Energy supply depends on water. Water supply depends on energy. The interdependency of water and energy is set to intensify in the coming years, with significant implications for both energy and water security. Each resource faces rising demands and constraints in many regions because of economic and population growth and climate change.
The world has a water problem, and the energy sector needs to contend with it.
Energy is vital to a well-functioning water sector
Energy is needed to extract water from lakes, rivers and oceans, to lift groundwater from aquifers and pump it through pipes and canals, to treat and deliver it to users. Almost all of the world’s water demand is met by groundwater and surface water, but water stress has led to an increase in the use of non-traditional water resources, including desalination and re-use. Energy demand for desalination nearly doubled in the past decade, it is posed to double again to 2030.
Energy demand for desalination in the Stated Policies Scenario, 1990-2030
OpenRenewables can solve the energy sector's water problem
Climate change will only increase the water crisis - clean energy can help
Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population experiences severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, and climate change will make water flows more erratic.
In the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) water withdrawals by the energy sector decline by almost 20 bcm by 2030. The biggest reductions happen in the power sector, where withdrawals fall nearly 15% as coal-fired power generation is quickly replaced by solar PV and wind. Greater energy efficiency also plays an important role in reducing the volume of water needed to meet global energy demand.
In the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) water withdrawals by the energy sector decline by almost 20 bcm by 2030. The biggest reductions happen in the power sector, where withdrawals fall nearly 15% as coal-fired power generation is quickly replaced by solar PV and wind. Greater energy efficiency also plays an important role in reducing the volume of water needed to meet global energy demand.