Renewable Energy: Water Pollution Solution?

Water scarcity is a pressing issue, with approximately 2.1 billion people lacking access to clean drinking water. The energy sector is a significant contributor, using around 370 billion cubic meters of freshwater in 2021, or about 10% of total global freshwater withdrawals. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help address this issue by reducing the amount of water needed for energy production. For example, solar power can be used to desalinate ocean water or filter contaminated water, making it potable. Additionally, the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy can reduce water consumption in the energy sector and lower carbon emissions, helping to mitigate climate change, which exacerbates water scarcity.

Solar power can reduce water pollution

Solar energy is a clean, inexhaustible, and renewable energy source that can significantly reduce water pollution. Unlike traditional energy sources, solar power does not require water to generate electricity. This is especially important given that, in the US, 45.3% of water withdrawn from lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers is used to cool thermoelectric power plants, including nuclear reactors and plants burning fossil fuels. This water is often contaminated with chemicals and returned to the environment at high temperatures, which can kill fish and plankton and stress the ecosystem.

Solar power can also reduce water pollution by decreasing the use of fossil fuels and their associated environmental impacts. Fossil fuel power plants release copious amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and require vast amounts of water for cooling. By switching to solar energy, we can reduce water usage, avoid water pollution caused by conventional power plants, and mitigate the water pollution issue in countries like India.

In addition to reducing water pollution, solar power offers other benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting public health by reducing carbon emissions. Solar power is also cost-effective, with attractive returns on investment and significant cost savings on electricity bills.

While there are some challenges to the widespread adoption of solar energy, such as manufacturing and infrastructure limitations, lack of awareness, administrative issues, and financial burdens, the benefits of solar power in reducing water pollution and promoting a more sustainable future are significant.

Renewable energy reduces water consumption

Water is a precious resource, with only 3% of the Earth's water being freshwater. Of this, most is frozen in glaciers, meaning that only 0.8% of the planet's water reserves can be used by humans. Despite this, nearly 1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water.

The energy sector is a large consumer of water, using around 370 billion cubic meters of freshwater in 2021, or roughly 10% of total global freshwater withdrawals. Water is used in almost every aspect of energy supply, from electricity generation to fossil fuel production.

Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, require far less water than traditional power plants that burn fossil fuels. For example, in the United States, 45.3% of the water withdrawn from lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers is used to cool thermoelectric power plants, including nuclear reactors and plants that burn fossil fuels.

To provide electricity for an average home, a nuclear power plant requires 615 gallons of cooling water per day, a coal-fired plant requires 199 gallons, and a natural gas plant requires 114 gallons. In comparison, solar panels and wind turbines require significantly less water, as they do not rely on water for cooling.

The shift to renewable energy sources can, therefore, help to reduce water consumption and make more freshwater available for food production and human consumption, particularly as the global population grows.

The benefits of renewable energy

The benefits of renewable energy go beyond just reducing water consumption. Renewable energy sources also produce far less carbon dioxide than power plants that burn fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Additionally, the expansion of renewable energy can create a large number of new, high-paying jobs. For example, the construction of solar infrastructure can create construction jobs, and the operation of renewable energy facilities requires skilled workers.

Renewable energy can also help to improve living standards by providing access to safe, clean water for drinking, sanitation, and food production.

A global issue

The world is facing a water crisis, with about a quarter of the global population lacking access to safe drinking water and almost half lacking proper sanitation services. This crisis is expected to worsen due to climate change, which will make water flows more erratic.

By reducing water consumption and mitigating climate change, renewable energy can play a crucial role in addressing the water crisis and ensuring sustainable water management for future generations.

Water stewardship and energy management

Water Risk and Energy Sources

The availability of clean, fresh water is increasingly becoming a significant business risk, with an estimated $425 billion of value at stake across various companies. Water is essential for generating electricity, especially in steam-powered turbines, and the use of fossil fuels for energy production can further exacerbate water pollution and scarcity.

Impact of Fossil Fuels on Water

In the US, for example, 45.3% of the water withdrawn from freshwater sources is used to cool thermoelectric power plants, including nuclear reactors and fossil fuel-burning plants. The water used for cooling is often contaminated with chemicals and returned to the environment at higher temperatures, which can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Benefits of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, offer a more sustainable alternative. They require significantly less water for electricity generation, reducing water consumption and the associated environmental impacts. Additionally, the shift to renewables can help create new, high-paying jobs and keep electricity costs low, all while reducing water pollution and preserving freshwater sources for other essential purposes, such as food production and sanitation.

Reducing Water Consumption and Carbon Emissions

By analyzing data from over 1,500 companies, it was found that switching to renewable energy sources can lead to substantial reductions in water consumption and carbon emissions. For instance, in the chemicals sector, a 50-percentage-point increase in renewable energy purchases resulted in a nearly 60% reduction in water consumption. Similarly, in the food and beverage processing sector, the same increase in renewable energy led to a 58% reduction in carbon emissions.

Recommendations for Businesses

To improve water stewardship and energy management, businesses should evaluate their energy purchases and resulting water consumption and emissions at the aggregate and site-specific levels. They should set integrated targets for reducing water consumption and carbon emissions and explore collaborative initiatives with other companies and local stakeholders to promote sustainable water resource management. Additionally, engaging with local utilities and authorities to understand their plans for transitioning to renewable energy sources can help accelerate the shift toward more sustainable practices.

Water-intensive operations and water risk

Water-intensive operations are those that rely heavily on water for their manufacturing processes or day-to-day functions. Industries such as metals, chemicals, textiles, and paper are all considered water-intensive, as they require substantial amounts of water to operate. Additionally, water-intensive operations are often vulnerable to water-related risks, which can impact their ability to function effectively.

Water risk refers to the potential economic and societal threats posed by water-related issues. These risks can be divided into four main categories:

• Too much water: This includes extreme weather events such as floods and storms that can damage infrastructure and disrupt supply chains.
• Not enough water: Drought and low water levels can cripple power production, leading to shutdowns and disruptions.
• Water pollution: Man-made pollution of water sources can harm ecosystems, human health, and communities' access to clean water.
• Disruption of freshwater systems: This includes natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, as well as human activities that impact the availability and quality of freshwater.

Water-intensive operations are particularly vulnerable to water risks due to their high dependence on water. For example, a manufacturing plant powered by coal requires 427 gallons of freshwater per MWh to prevent equipment from overheating. In the US, 45.3% of the water withdrawn from lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers is used for cooling thermoelectric power plants. This heavy reliance on water makes these operations susceptible to water scarcity and pollution issues.

To mitigate water risks, companies with water-intensive operations can take several steps:

• Water risk assessment: Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of water quantity, quality, and related risks, including climate change impacts, ecosystem disturbances, and regulatory compliance.
• Set integrated targets: Instead of separate goals for water consumption and carbon emissions reduction, set integrated targets that address both issues simultaneously.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Approach water and carbon management as interconnected challenges, and explore how efforts in one area can support the other.
• Collaborate with stakeholders: Engage with local communities, suppliers, and authorities to understand their water management practices and work together to protect water resources.
• Implement water-efficient technologies: Invest in water-efficient processes and equipment to reduce water consumption and mitigate the impact on water sources.

By addressing water-intensive operations and water risk, companies can ensure sustainable growth, reduce their environmental impact, and contribute to global efforts to address water scarcity and pollution.

Water-stressed regions and renewable energy

Water-stressed regions stand to benefit from a transition to renewable energy sources, which require little to no water to operate.

Water is essential for energy production, and in many countries, a significant proportion of freshwater is used to cool power plants. In the US, for example, 45.3% of the water withdrawn from lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers is used to cool thermoelectric power plants. This is more water than is used nationwide for irrigation.

However, renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines require zero or little water use. These renewable forms of energy can help countries meet their increased demand for electricity without adding carbon emissions or consuming water. This could be particularly beneficial in countries where growing populations, farms, and industries are already competing for scant water supplies. For example, India could reduce its water consumption intensity by more than 25% by achieving its renewable energy targets.

Water-stressed countries with high solar energy potential include Yemen, Eritrea, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, Yemen is one of the world's most water-stressed and least developed countries. Despite ongoing civil war, the World Bank has invested $50 million in solar PV projects to restore electricity to more than one million Yemenis. As the cost of solar and wind energy continues to decline, these options are becoming more attractive to water-stressed countries, even those with oil wealth like Saudi Arabia.

Water-stressed countries with high wind energy potential include eight countries from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), six from Europe, and the rest from Asia Pacific and North America. Andorra has the highest wind energy potential, followed by Belgium and Kazakhstan.

In water-stressed regions, the transition to renewable energy sources can help alleviate water stress and improve sustainability. For example, the retirement of fossil fuel power plants in San Juan County, New Mexico, and the development of renewable generation to meet existing demand would reduce regional water stress and emissions. However, even the deployment of water-efficient renewable generation should be undertaken with caution in already water-stressed regions, as it represents additional power sector water demands.

Overall, renewable energy sources offer a promising solution to water-stressed regions by reducing water consumption in the energy sector, thereby making more freshwater available for other critical needs such as food production and human consumption.

Frequently asked questions