Rethinking the water sector

Energy needs water, and water needs energy

The mutual dependence of energy and water and increasing global demand for each has an enormous impact on economic growth, environmental sustainability and our future in general.

Yet digitalization and existing technologies designed to create an energy-neutral water sector are already available. A more energy efficient water distribution system automatically helps reduce water leakage. Less energy is used. Less water is wasted.

Solving the future energy challenges of the water sector, today

Water stress

According to World Economic Outlook, “water crisis” is ranked the fifth most serious risk the world faces over the next 10 years [1].
It is estimated that in 2025, half of the world’s population could be living in water stress and scarcity areas [2].
In about half of all EU member states, more than 24% of clean drinking water is lost due to leakages [3]

Energy demand

4% of global electricity is consumed by the water industry [4]. This figure is expected to double by 2040 [5].
At the EU level, the water sector accounts for 3.5% of total electricity consumption [6].
Water and wastewater facilities are a municipality’s largest consumer of electricity, representing 30-50% of local authorities’ total electricity bill [7].

Decoupling the water sector from energy use

The International Energy Agency report – World Energy Outlook [8] – explores the water-energy nexus, not only highlighting the challenges we’re facing but also the potential of achieving an energy-neutral water sector.

Existing technologies designed to reduce energy consumption in all stages of the water cycle – from production and distribution to wastewater pumping and treatment – already exist. Denmark is expected to achieve this goal within a few years. Not only can the water cycle be made more efficient, it has the potential to actually generate energy. And as part of optimizing the energy consumption in the water distribution system, water leakage will be automatically reduced.

Download the report summary

Explore our case stories

Koyambedu wastewater treatment plant in India

India is one of the most populous yet water-stressed countries in the world. When it comes to industrial wastewater, close to 70% of the water is untreated. Koyambedu wastewater treatment plant in India addresses the water crisis while cutting emissions.

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Turning a city’s largest energy consumer into an energy producer in Denmark | Case

Danfoss efficiencies help South African farmer to free up energy and achieve production goals | Case

Sarlux refinery saves energy with 12000 m3/day industrial desalination plant | Case

A win-win solution

Apart from tackling the water scarcity problem by reducing water loss, an energy-neutral water sector also contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions and brings significant savings in the OPEX and CAPEX of utility companies.

Read more about applications and solutions for Water and Wastewater

How can more water treatment cut CO2 emissions?

Expanding water treatment globally is not only a key enabler for creating a better world for people. Water treatment can also contribute to fighting climate change and reduced CO₂/GHG emission.

Read article by Mads Warming, Global Director Water, Wastewater & Pumps and explore how we can decarbonize the wastewater industry.

Read opinion

Related insights

Get a quick overview on the potential of an energy-neutral water system

The technologies to decouple the water sector from energy use already exist.

Engineering the Energy Union Event

Watch the video on Euractiv website to learn how electric motors and water systems can help achieve policy goals.

Cities meeting ambitious sustainable goals

References