Energy’s thirst for water

Many of the external pressures that drive the increasing demands for water (Section 2.1) also play influential roles in the growing demand for energy. Both are fundamentally driven by (and drivers of) social development and economic growth, and both are strongly influenced by economic forces, increasing living standards, technological development and government policy. One of the main differences, as detailed in Chapter 1, is that market forces have tended to play a much more important role with respect to energy sector development, whereas the management of water resources and the improvement of water-related services have historically been more of a socio-political prerogative.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Clean Water and Sanitation