Earth Day 2025: The intersection of renewable energy and the water sector
On April 22, 2025, Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary, with a global call to action under the theme Our Power, Our Planet. This year, the emphasis is on accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources with the goal of tripling global clean electricity generation by 2030. As the world grapples with the urgency of climate change, the intersection between renewable energy and the water sector has become an increasingly vital area of focus.
The United Nations has recognized Earth Day as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of protecting the planet's ecosystems, which are foundational to sustaining life on Earth. Climate change, deforestation, land-use change, and biodiversity loss continue to accelerate the degradation of our environment, making Earth Day’s call for a shift towards sustainable practices even more pertinent. The need for a clean energy revolution, particularly in sectors that consume large amounts of energy, such as water treatment and desalination, has never been clearer.
As the world grapples with the urgency of climate change, the intersection between renewable energy and the water sector has become an increasingly vital area of focus
Water and energy are inextricably linked. The production, treatment, and distribution of water require substantial amounts of energy. Conversely, water resources are increasingly being harnessed for energy production, notably through hydroelectric power. As nations pivot to renewable energy, the water sector's dual role as both an energy consumer and a producer of energy underscores the critical need for integrated solutions to ensure a sustainable future.
Desalination powered by renewables
Desalination has become a vital solution for many regions facing severe water scarcity. As global water resources become increasingly strained, desalination provides an essential lifeline, particularly in arid regions where fresh water is scarce. However, desalination is also highly energy-intensive, with power consumption representing up to 60% of operational costs. The traditional reliance on fossil fuels for desalination operations has raised concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, operational costs, and long-term sustainability. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on integrating renewable energy into desalination processes to mitigate these challenges and enhance the environmental performance of water production systems.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, and wave energy, are versatile and can be effectively harnessed to power desalination technologies. A recent study titled The Significance of Renewable Energy in a Water-Scarce World: A Case Study of Jordan highlights how renewable energy can significantly benefit desalination systems, particularly in regions with abundant renewable resources. Technologies such as reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and mechanical vapor compression are key methods that can be optimized through the use of renewable energy, reducing the environmental impact of desalination while also improving cost-effectiveness.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, and wave energy, are versatile and can be effectively harnessed to power desalination technologies
Among the various renewable energy options, solar power stands out as a particularly promising resource for desalination, especially in regions that receive ample sunlight. Solar photovoltaic cells and solar thermal collectors convert sunlight into electricity or heat, which can then be used to power desalination processes. This is particularly beneficial in areas such as the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Australia, where solar energy is abundant. By tapping into this renewable resource, desalination plants can operate with minimal carbon emissions, providing a sustainable solution to water shortages while also reducing operational costs. Solar-powered desalination projects are now underway globally, offering a cleaner, more affordable alternative to traditional energy-intensive methods.
However, despite the clear environmental and operational advantages, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of renewable energy for desalination. One of the primary hurdles is the high initial cost of renewable energy-powered desalination systems, which can make them less economically competitive compared to fossil fuel-powered alternatives. The high capital investment required for solar and other renewable energy technologies often presents a barrier to their implementation, particularly in developing regions or countries with limited financial resources. Nonetheless, the study argues that, ongoing advancements in renewable energy technologies and decreasing costs—coupled with strategic investments and long-term research—are expected to make these systems more economically viable and competitive in the future.
Integrating renewable energy into desalination systems, particularly in regions with limited water resources, requires careful planning and optimization. One effective approach is the use of microgrids, which allow for the seamless integration of renewable energy with Water Supply Systems (WSSs). Microgrids help manage power fluctuations and improve the reliability of energy supply for desalination plants, which often face challenges from intermittent renewable energy generation. These systems also facilitate better coordination between energy and water infrastructure, allowing for a more reliable and efficient operation.
The integration of renewable energy into desalination offers a promising solution to the twin challenges of water scarcity and energy demand
Incorporating wind and solar power into desalination systems offers several additional advantages beyond their cost-effectiveness. These renewable energy sources are independent of water inputs, unlike traditional energy sources such as coal or nuclear plants, which require significant water resources for cooling. This is particularly important in water-scarce regions, where reducing dependency on water-intensive energy sources can significantly improve the resilience and adaptability of both energy and water supply systems. By diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on water-demanding energy sources, renewable energy enhances the overall sustainability of desalination projects.
Ultimately, the integration of renewable energy into desalination offers a promising solution to the twin challenges of water scarcity and energy demand. As the world seeks to address growing water shortages, particularly in regions impacted by climate change, renewable energy-powered desalination systems can provide a more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. With continued technological advancements, strategic investments, and careful planning, renewable energy can play a central role in securing water supplies for future generations while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
A renewable energy solution with water at its core
Hydropower is one of the oldest and most established forms of renewable energy. It generates electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water to turn turbines. Globally, hydropower provides a substantial portion of renewable energy. In Brazil, for example, nearly 68% of the country’s electricity comes from hydroelectric power.
While large-scale hydroelectric projects have been scrutinized for their environmental and social impacts, smaller-scale and micro-hydro systems are gaining attention as more sustainable alternatives. These systems allow for the harnessing of water’s energy in a less disruptive manner, making them particularly suitable for remote communities or regions with limited access to traditional electricity grids.
Hydropower also offers grid stability and storage benefits, particularly in regions with variable renewable energy resources like wind and solar. Hydropower plants can act as "battery-like" systems, storing energy during periods of high generation and releasing it when demand is greater, thus enhancing the overall reliability of renewable energy systems.
A sustainable future for water and energy
As Earth Day 2025 calls for a collective effort to harness renewable energy for the health of the planet, the water sector plays a critical role in this transition
The growing demand for clean water, combined with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, places the water sector at the forefront of the renewable energy transition. As countries work to meet the UN’s 2030 targets for renewable energy generation, hydropower, as well as the integration of renewable energy into water treatment and desalination will be key in creating a sustainable, low-carbon future
The benefits of this transition extend beyond environmental impacts. Renewable energy in the water sector can also drive economic growth by creating jobs and reducing healthcare costs associated with pollution. The expansion of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power will generate new industries and employment opportunities, particularly in regions investing in clean energy infrastructure.
As Earth Day 2025 calls for a collective effort to harness renewable energy for the health of the planet, the water sector plays a critical role in this transition. By embracing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, the water industry can reduce its environmental footprint, enhance efficiency, and provide equitable access to clean water for all. This interconnected approach to energy and water management is essential for building a sustainable, resilient future.
The need for action is urgent. As the world celebrates Earth Day, the message is clear: it is time to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, not just to reduce carbon emissions, but to ensure that water—one of our most precious resources—remains accessible, safe, and sustainable for generations to come.