Zadok Olinga, President of the Southern African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC), highlights in a piece in the organisation’s newsletter of 29 September, the critical water and energy nexus – a subject that came into sharp focus at the recent SAEEC Conference.
“At the SAEEC,” Olinga writes, “we often talk about energy as the ultimate resource and focus on its generation and usage. However, water is another key economic and life resource that is becoming scarcer and more expensive to generate and supply to the population. Water consumption and energy consumption are interlinked. More precisely, the supply of water for urban and industrial use requires considerable energy to deliver. As we grapple with the challenges of climate change, energy poverty and meeting the goals of a Just Energy Transition, water efficiency must be part of the conversation in mitigating energy waste, climate change and supplying clean sustainable water to all people as a human right.”
Olinga further highlights that water delivery, with its associated processes and infrastructure, is one of the main drivers of municipal operating costs. “With urban populations growing in South Africa, and across the African continent, the cost of providing water is bound to keep climbing. In its practical guide for local government, Sustainable Energy Africa estimates that water provision and wastewater treatment account for 17% of the energy consumption of a typical metropolitan area in South Africa. Electricity consumption for water provision alone may constitute as much as 25% of a municipality’s electricity bill.
“Throughout the water provision cycle, there are multiple processes that require a significant amount of energy. Typically, this energy is consumed by pumping equipment. Energy efficiency interventions at various stages of the water cycle could save up to 25% on energy bills. Furthermore, the cost of treating wastewater is far higher than the cost of treating ground water. Therefore, demand-side interventions are also necessary to reduce water wastage and mitigate the need for more water treatment.”
Olinga points out that at this year’s SAEEC conference, the Water Research Commission of South Africa sponsored an entire track dedicated to water and water efficiency. “At the SAEEC, we must take water efficiency as seriously as we take energy efficiency, because they go hand in hand. We encourage the adoption of better water management practices, water delivery optimisation and well-planned investments into water infrastructure to ensure a sustainable water supply for all.”
Over the course of the next year the SAEEC will be holding webinars and workshops with its partners focused on water efficiency. “We encourage all interested stakeholders to attend and share their ideas.” Olinga says.
For more information visit: www.saeeconfed.org.za
