Water
and energy are closely interlinked and interdependent. Energy
generation and transmission requires utilization of water resources,
particularly for hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal energy sources.
Conversely, about 8% of the global energy generation is used for
pumping, treating and transporting water to various consumers.
In 2014, the UN System – working closely with its
Member States and other relevant stakeholders – is collectively bringing
its attention to the water-energy nexus, particularly addressing
inequities, especially for the 'bottom billion' who live in slums and
impoverished rural areas and survive without access to safe drinking
water, adequate sanitation, sufficient food and energy services. It also
aims to facilitate the development of policies and crosscutting
frameworks that bridge ministries and sectors, leading the way to energy
security and sustainable water use in a green economy. Particular
attention will be paid to identifying best practices that can make a
water- and energy-efficient 'Green Industry' a reality.
- Selling fuel wood at wood market in Cambodia ©FAO/J. Koelen
- Geothermal Power Station in Þingvellir, Iceland - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Scott Ableman
- Raise awareness of the inter-linkages between water and energy
- Contribute to a policy dialogue that focuses on the broad range of issues related to the nexus of water and energy
- Demonstrate, through case studies, to decision makers in the energy sector and the water domain that integrated approaches and solutions to water-energy issues can achieve greater economic and social impacts
- Identify policy formulation and capacity development issues in which the UN system, in particular UN-Water and UN-Energy, can offer significant contributions
- Identify key stakeholders in the water-energy nexus and actively engaging them in further developing the water-energy linkages
- Contribute as relevant to the post-2015 discussions in relation to the water-energy nexus.
