Making waves: Research to support water and wastewater utilities in the transition to a clean-energy future

Abstract

Drinking water and wastewater utilities are in the business of making clean water, not using clean energy, and the ongoing energy transition is swiftly creating new challenges for which they are unprepared. At this critical juncture in the water–energy nexus, this Making Waves article explores how the research community can support water utilities during the transition as features like renewables, flexible loads, and dynamic markets become standard. Researchers can help water utilities implement existing energy management techniques not yet widely practiced, including establishing energy policies, managing energy data, using low-energy-intensity water sources, and participating in demand response programs. New research priorities are dynamic energy pricing, on-site renewable-energy micro-grids, and integrated water and energy demand forecasting. Water utilities have adapted to many technological and regulatory changes over the years, and with research support for new designs and operations, they will thrive in a clean-energy future.