Energy and water interactions: implications for industry

The constant increase of the world-wide demand for water and energy makes it necessary to make their use more efficient. For supplying energy, so far mainly fossil fuels are used. The apparent link of energy and water supply increases the cost of delivery and, in many cases, causes shortages of all forms of energy and water. This paper reviews the main trends in the global flows of energy and water supply, identifies the inherent limitations and pays attention also to the concept of virtual water. The implications for industry and of some notable recent research efforts are also reviewed, and conclusions are drawn for the directions of possibly promising future research and development.