Session FT 1.28

Water and energy

 

 

Conveners

• Comision Federal de Electricitad
• International Hydropower Association
• Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate

 

 

The interest in this theme was demonstrated by the number of participants, which filled the room far beyond its seating capacity. A further indication was the lively discussion, which was curtailed only by the limitation of time. The common message was that of the fundamental relationships between water and energy.

Presentations were given concerning progress in cooling water use and re-use in thermal generation, the increasing contribution of wind and solar technology, and the catalytic role of hydropower in sustainable development. The Co-Chair, H.E. Anita Utseth, Deputy Minister, Petroleum and Energy, Norway, mentioned that: “Electricity from hydropower was the key factor in transforming Norway from one of the poorest countries in Europe a century ago to the industrialized and wealthy nation of today”.

Reference was made to the recent African Ministerial Conference on Hydropower and Sustainable Development in Johannesburg (6-9 March 2006). It was noted that the declaration emphasised the role of multipurpose hydropower schemes in promoting water security and recognised the value of hydropower in an optimum energy mix.

Lessons learned

1. Producing electricity from hydropower can have a catalytic key role in sustainable development 
2. Water and energy development and management are inextricably related. Efficiencies and broader benefits can be best provided to the developed- and less developed world by an approach which fully integrates water and energy policy. All forms of energy need to be optimized so that best performance is achieved in terms of delivery of services and their impact on water and the environment. Mutually supportive roles of hydropower and other forms of clean, renewable energy were identified in this regard

 

Key messages

1. we can get more Watts per drop in efficiency measures for all energy sources (CFE)
   
2. we need to be smarter in multipurpose water- and mixed energy systems (IHA);
   
3. we note the key role of solar energy in relation to the provision of clean water (ISES);
   
4. we should enhance the role of wind energy in lifting and moving water (WWEA);
   
5. we observe the key role of hydropower in local capacity building (NVE);
   
6. we can benefit enormously from a symphony of mutually supportive renewable energy technologies (IREA).

 

Orientations for action

 

1. The following statement should be included in international agreements  “We agree that sustainable water- and energy services and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals will be enhanced substantially by policies which promote the increased, integrated development of hydropower and other clean and renewable energy resources.”
2. There is a need of greater research funding for the integration of renewable energy sources
3. Sustainability criteria in the design and operation of water and energy systems must be taken into account. Methods of promoting and ensuring sustainable development must be identified including the use of sustainability guidelines and certification procedures, such as those put forward by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and World Wind Energy Association (WWEA).
   

Local Actions presented

 

Renewable energy and water

 

Optimisation of water in water consumption of thermal power plants

 

Use of treated wastewater for the reuse in the cooling systems of the thermal plant Villa de Reyes

 

Diversification of power sources through the construction of hydroelectric power plants