World Water Day 2014 brings its attention to the Water and Energy nexus. The 2014 edition demonstrates through case studies that integrated approaches and solutions to water-energy issues can achieve greater economic and social impacts. Crosscutting frameworks bridging public and private sectors in a green economy will lead to greater energy security and sustainable water use. Particular attention will be paid to identifying best practices that can make a water and energy-efficient 'Green Industry' a reality. The Sahara Wind Project is actively involved in supporting access to potable water in arid regions using renewable energies. Water treatment technologies can enhance the uptake of intermittent sources of renewable energies such as wind power in weaker grid infrastructures found on most of the African continent. Acting as a stabilizing load in a high wind penetration system, desalination as well as electrolysis generated by-products such as chlorine or hypochlorite are indispensable elements in water treatment solutions for producing clean, drinking water. Within such framework, many synergies can be applied.
An in-depth analysis of the International Energy Agency reveals that energy accounts for 15% of global water usage, and will consume ever more through 2035
The Sahara Wind project combines wind and water treatment technologies: The Sahara Wind Project
