As a researcher at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, water is a central focus in my work. It might seem surprising that someone engaged in energy research would be so invested in water, but the two are intricately linked in ways that are both profound and, too often, overlooked. As we face an era of resource limitations and climate change, the need to treat water and energy as interconnected systems has never been more urgent.
The relationship between water and energy — often referred to as the water-energy nexus — reflects a complex web of interdependencies. Power generation demands enormous volumes of water for cooling, with thermoelectric plants withdrawing more water than agriculture in many regions. Similarly, water treatment and distribution are energy-intensive, consuming a significant portion of energy supplies.
Beyond this, water plays a key role in many other sectors, including biofuel, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. Ignoring these interconnections risks inefficiencies and environmental damage. However, recognizing them opens doors to innovation. Below are five key areas where these synergies offer untapped potential.
Recognizing the interconnections between water and energy opens doors to innovation, where synergies offer untapped potential
Rethinking wastewater as a resource. Wastewater is often viewed as a byproduct that must be managed. In reality, it is an underutilized resource brimming with potential. Advances in treatment technology are unlocking new ways to extract value from wastewater, from recovering nutrients to producing biogas or even generating heat. Efforts to harness wastewater streams could revolutionize water management while providing new energy pathways.
Sustainable and secure supply chains through water. One of the most exciting frontiers in the water-energy nexus is the potential to secure critical minerals from water. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements — essential for renewable energy technologies — are found dissolved in oceans, groundwater, and even wastewater. Tapping into water as a source of critical minerals could be transformative.
Optimizing industrial processes for sustainability. Industries are major consumers of both water and energy, but these sectors also offer fertile ground for innovation. In fact, modernizing industrial water and energy management — through approaches like closed-loop cooling systems or heat exchange technologies — can drastically reduce both water usage and energy demand.
Integrating renewables and water systems. The shift toward renewable energy is creating new intersections between water and energy. Wind turbines and solar panels, for instance, require almost no water to operate, making them ideal for arid regions. Meanwhile, renewable energy can be harnessed to power water systems, offering clean, low-carbon solutions for desalination, irrigation, and wastewater treatment. Integrating these technologies holistically will be key to building resilient systems that can endure climate challenges.
Resilience in a changing climate. As climate change intensifies, the vulnerability of both water and energy infrastructures becomes increasingly apparent. A cohesive strategy that addresses the water-energy nexus is essential for building resilience — by diversifying energy sources, improving water storage and recycling, and designing systems to withstand environmental disruptions.
To fully harness the potential of the water-energy nexus, we need a coordinated approach that spans disciplines and sectors. Engineers, policymakers, and industries must collaborate to develop technologies and strategies that simultaneously address water and energy challenges. Through innovation and interdisciplinary partnerships, we can optimize the use of both resources, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future.