Harnessing Clean Energy to Alleviate the Water Crisis: A Global Perspective

Introduction

The world grapples with a severe water crisis, impacting almost a quarter of the global population without access to safe drinking water. Simultaneously, the energy sector demands a significant portion of the world’s freshwater resources. This article delves into the crucial relationship between clean energy development and mitigating the global water crisis, shedding light on how choices in the energy sector can impact Sustainable Development Goals, including access to clean water and sanitation.

Water, Energy, and the Global Challenge

• Water Demand: Nearly 25% of the world’s population lacks access to safe drinking water, and almost half lack proper sanitation services.

• Energy’s Water Thirst: The energy sector accounted for around 10% of total global freshwater withdrawals in 2021, necessitated for various aspects of energy supply, from electricity generation to biofuels cultivation.

• Water Scarcity: Almost two-thirds of the global population faces severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, a situation exacerbated by climate change.

Energy’s Impact on Water: Different Scenarios

• Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS): The most conservative scenario sees a rise in water withdrawals by the energy sector, primarily driven by nuclear power plants’ cooling and irrigating bioenergy feedstocks.
• Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE): The most ambitious scenario witnesses a significant reduction in water withdrawals, particularly in the power sector, as coal-fired power is replaced by solar PV and wind, coupled with higher energy efficiency.

Water Stewardship and Energy Security

• Hydropower Vulnerability: Growing water stress poses a threat to the power sector, with regions like southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East facing potential declines in hydropower generation due to reduced water flows.
• Challenges for Thermal Power Plants: Thermal power plants heavily reliant on water for cooling face challenges during droughts, impacting output and plant operations.
• Transport and Water Availability: Water shortages disrupt the transport of fuels and materials, impacting global energy and supply chains.

Integrated Approach: A Way Forward

• Efficiency Improvements: Enhancing power plant efficiency and deploying advanced cooling systems can significantly reduce water usage.
• Alternative Water Sources: Energy producers are exploring alternative water sources and water recycling to alleviate freshwater constraints.
• Clean Technologies for Water Access: Clean energy technologies can provide solutions for water access, such as decentralized solar PV water pumps and mini-grids powering water filtration systems.

The Netherlands’ Perspective

The Netherlands, known for its sustainable practices, exemplifies how a forward-thinking approach to clean energy can address water challenges. The nation’s strategic investments in renewable energy not only contribute to a greener future but also alleviate the stress on water resources. By incorporating advanced cooling systems and maximizing energy efficiency, the Netherlands showcases a holistic approach where energy and water stewardship go hand in hand.

In conclusion, as we stand at a crucial juncture in our fight against water scarcity, embracing clean energy technologies and practices is paramount. The global community must adopt an integrated approach, akin to the Netherlands’ sustainable model, where clean energy not only powers our world but also ensures a sustainable and abundant water supply for all.

Original Source: Clean energy can help to ease the water crisis [Commentary] by Tomas de Oliveira Bredariol, Energy and Environmental Policy Analyst, International Energy Agency (IEA)