ABSTRACT
The production of energy and delivery of usable water are inextricably linked. Energy is often required to access water and it is essential for treating and transporting it, while most of the main global energy sources are dependent on availability of water for production or cooling. In the coming decades, sustaining the efficient use of shared water and energy resources is likely to be central to peace and prosperity in many regions. Figure 8.1 shows the current per capita consumption of energy and water in countries of the G-20. As can be seen, there are significant differences in per capita energy consumption, for example between the United States and India. If global per capita consumption of energy continues to approach the levels of Europe or the United States—which is an aspiration for those in the developing world—total consumption worldwide will increase and potentially exceed sustainable limits.
