Is water a scarce resource? Well, people are doubtful about it. The CEO of a well-known infrastructure company claims a vital link between water use and energy generation. But we ought to place a much higher value on the latter because it is a scarce resource. Stefano Venier, CEO of Snam, made these remarks when the relationship between energy and water sustainability became the sharp focus. It is due to a prolonged period of extreme heat and severe drought in Europe.
Venier explained that once the water was utterly available in any amount for a longer time, it was considered free. He further stated that given the existing situation, climate change and water scarcity might occur. We all need to rediscover the significance of water value as a source of energy.
Venier stretched his opinion that we realize that water can become limited with the changing climate. We must reclaim the idea that water is also valuable and essential for producing electricity. Without sufficient water, neither can we generate enough energy nor can we export the fuels for fueling the power plants.
The significant water level decline of some European rivers would impact the availability of energy supplies like coal, a fossil fuel. Uniper declared that there could be inconsistent operation at two of its hard-fired coal plants, Datteln 4 and Staudinger 5. As per the report, it was due to a constraint of coal amounts on site induced by the low water level of the Rhine River.
Water Energy Nexus
Is water a scarce resource in Nexus too? The comments made by Venier are relevant to more general discussions about the so-called water-energy Nexus. It refers to the intimate connections between water and energy. The industrialized nations worldwide gradually switch from fossil fuels to renewable sources.
The International Energy Agency states that water is essential for energy production, and energy is necessary for water supply.
In the upcoming years, the value of water and energy is expected to grow more pronounced, with substantial repercussions for energy and water security.
Due to changing climate, growing populations, and increasing pressure for resources, many locations are experiencing both. This link has received attention recently, particularly in Europe. For instance, a Swiss nuclear power plant reduced its performance earlier this summer to keep the river that helps to cool it from reaching temperatures harmful to marine life.
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation’s international division will cite the country’s economic public broadcaster, SRF. At that time, the Beznau nuclear power plant was reported to have momentarily toned down operations, and it was to prevent the River Aare’s temperature from increasing to levels that are unsafe for fish. Since then, these limitations have been lifted.
According to Reuters, government ministers in Norway, whose household energy needs are primarily met by hydropower, have discussed limiting exports because of decreased reservoir levels. All of those mentioned above are occurring as numerous major European economies look for alternative sources of sustainable energy supplies in the wake of Russia’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine.
Back at the Ambrosetti Forum, Snam’s Venier was questioned on the energy independence of Europe and the possibility that Italy and the rest of Europe would have to use foreign gas resources. The course that the administration, the EU, through REPowerEU, and what we are doing at Snam have all established. According to Venier, emerging markets in West Africa or other global regions can supply the gas. Therefore, the question “Is water a scarce resource?” will be resolved if we take essential steps towards sufficient water availability.
