Abstract
The transition towards a 100% renewable energy system may be an opportunity to resolve the water-energy nexus. However, deployment of some technologies might impose additional strain on water ecosystems. An energy-system-wide analysis of water demand in Europe was performed for the period 2015–2050 using the LUT Energy System Transition model for two scenarios: Area (with electricity interconnections) and Regions (without). For fossil-fuelled power plants, the water footprint in 20 European regions may decrease considerably until 2050, by 28.3% in the ‘Area scenario’ and 24.2% in the ‘Regions scenario’. However, total water demand in the Area scenario increases in 5 regions on average by 14%, from 7% (Balkan-West countries) to 24% (Sweden). Further, Turkey, Norway and Sweden may have the largest water demands in Europe due to the commissioning of new hydropower plants. Results indicate discussions on the sustainability of energy transition scenarios should be expanded to include water footprint.
Highlights
A large share of Europe's power generation relies heavily on water availability
To address the above-mentioned concerns, this study aims to: (1) assess the current water demand of Europe's power sector from the perspective of water consumption, (2) evaluate the potential impact of establishing high voltage power transmission interconnections between the regions of Europe on the water demand estimates, (3) project the development of water consumption until 2050 for the example case of two energy transition scenarios, and (3) identify potential bottlenecks on the pathway towards a zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission renewable energy system when conducting the comparison of the two scenarios
In 2015, the total water consumption of Europe's power plant fleet was estimated at a level of 15.54 km3
Summary
A large share of Europe's power generation relies heavily on water availability. Considerable amounts of water are used in hydropower generation, and thermal power plants require water for cooling purposes. The researchers note that without a radical improvement of the water resource management in the power sector, the power plants' demand for water might surge considerably in the future [2]. This rising water demand might lead to a further depletion of water resources and aggravation of waterrelated risks, especially in regions which are already suffering severely from water stress [2].
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