Thirsty Energy: Securing Energy In A Water-Constrained World

Significant amounts of water are needed in almost all energy generation processes, from generating hydropower, to cooling and other purposes in thermal power plants, to extract­ing and processing fuels. Conversely, the water sector needs energy to extract, treat and transport water. Both energy and water are used in the production of crops, including those used to generate energy through biofu­els. Population growth and rapidly-expand­ing economies place additional demands on water and energy, while several regions around the world are already experiencing significant water and energy shortages.

Today, more than 780 million people lack access to potable water, and over 1.3 billion people lack access to electricity. At the same time, estimates show that by 2035, global energy consumption will increase by 35%, while water consumption by the energy sec­tor will increase by 85%. Climate change will further challenge water and energy manage­ment by causing more water variability and intensified weather events, such as severe floods and droughts.

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Thirsty Energy, the first publication of the Energy-Water initiative, introduces the energy-water nexus, examines the water requirements of power generation and outlines some potential technical and institutional solutions for improving the management of the nexus.

Download Thirsty Energy: Working Paper

Download Thirsty Energy: Summary of the Initiative (PDF)