Efficient pathways to zero-carbon energy use by water supply utilities: an example from London, UK

Abstract

Urban water utilities are increasing their use of energy-intensive technologies such as desalination and long-distanced pumped transfers. Under pressure to reduce their energy-related carbon emissions to zero, water utilities have devised a variety of energy management strategies, including the purchase of renewable energy and self-generation of electricity using locally installed renewables. These strategies will incur different costs for the utility, whilst some may have implications for the reliability of water supply systems. Yet the trade-offs between costs, water security and energy sustainability remain unexplored. Here, we present a regional scale analysis to test competing energy strategies, mapping pathways to zero-carbon energy and water security. Results from a case-study of the London water system show a balanced approach that allows for some energy self-generation, using biogas, solar and wind, while also purchasing green energy credits from the electricity supply grid can best navigate this trade-off. Balanced investment plans can accommodate energy-intensive water supply techniques such as long-distance transfers, desalination and effluent reuse while meeting energy targets. By becoming energy generators and also adopting more flexible arrangements for energy use, water utilities could become significant players in energy markets.

Aman Majid

Research Associate

Aman Majid is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Energy and Water Systems at the Oxford Martin School and the Environmental Change Institute

Jim Hall

Professor of Climate and Environmental Risk

Prof. Jim Hall FREng is Professor of Climate and Environmental Risks in the University of Oxford and Director of Research in the School of Geography and the Environment.