Water and energy: Two sides of the same challenge

The need to transition towards a sustainable energy future is undeniable. But this transition necessitates a critical element: water.

In an exclusive interview at European Sustainable Energy Week, Alan AtKisson, the Executive Secretary & CEO of the Global Water Partnership, spoke to Enlit about the interconnectedness of water and energy.

“We have to save water in order to drive the energy transition [but] driving the energy transition requires water for production purposes, for example, it's all deeply connected,” AtKisson explains.

“On the one hand, we need to have the energy transition, if we're going to draw down carbon emissions, and reduce global climate change, global warming, because global warming is, in turn, causing water scarcity.”

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Just as in the water sector, the energy industry needs a new generation of professionals equipped with the skills to address the challenges of a changing world. AtKisson highlighted the importance of attracting young talent to the sector. Attracting these bright minds requires showcasing the transformative potential of these careers, emphasizing their role in shaping a sustainable future, he says.

Addressing the need for action, AtKisson calls for a “laser focus” on intergenerational and interdisciplinary collaboration. He envisions dedicated teams working seamlessly across disciplines to accelerate the energy transition while considering its water implications, emphasizing the need for a more systematic and global approach.

Innovation is clearly key to the transition in both sectors but AtKisson argues that innovation goes beyond just technology. It encompasses financial instruments, social processes, and policy changes that accelerate the adoption of existing solutions.

“I think we get a little sloppy most people think technology and here comes AI or new solar panels. Innovation is a process of accelerating our adoption of the new things we already know how to do and deploying them,” he says.

Watch the full video to get more insight into how, by working together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, building a future powered by clean energy and secured by responsible water management.