Water and energy are linked to each other. Water is used in electric power generation processes and electric power is used to extract, purify and distribute tap water to the population. Saving on water consumption implies significant energy savings. This Fact Sheet deals with new perspectives and new challenges related to the water-energy nexus.
Drinking water and energy are fundamental to human development. Joint efficiency in the use of water and energy is essential because of their intimate link with climate change, since the use of water requires energy consumption, which implies the emission of greenhouse gases that alter the climate. The latter modifies the rainfall regime, reducing the quality of available water and consequently increasing the energy requirements for its extraction. This vicious circle is thus deepened.
The concept of the water-energy nexus has emerged in the literature to explain, analyze and understand the complex interactions between these sectors. Analyzing them together helps us to plan in an integrated and effective way with short, medium and long term solutions. If we save water we are also saving energy.