Exploring the interdependence of two critical resources

Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population experiences severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, and climate change will make water flows more erratic.

In the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE) water withdrawals by the energy sector decline by almost 20 bcm by 2030. The biggest reductions happen in the power sector, where withdrawals fall nearly 15% as coal-fired power generation is quickly replaced by solar PV and wind. Greater energy efficiency also plays an important role in reducing the volume of water needed to meet global energy demand.

Thermal power plants running on coal or gas are huge consumers of water, but even the fuels or technologies used to achieve the clean energy transition could, if not properly managed, increase water stress or be limited by it. Around the world, droughts have caused hydropower plants to curtail output. Some low-carbon technologies, such as wind and solar PV require very little water, others, such as biofuels, concentrating solar power (CSP), carbon capture, utilization and storage or nuclear power are relatively water-intensive. And nascent technologies such as using electrolysis to produce so-called "green" hydrogen are big water users.

An integrated approach focused on tackling climate change, delivering energy for all and reducing the impacts of air pollution (Sustainable Development Scenario) could result in lower water withdrawals in 2030 relative to today and other scenarios thanks to the increased deployment of solar PV and wind, a shift away from coal-fired power generation and energy efficiency.