Energy balances as tools for assessing carbon neutrality in urban water systems

Abstract

Urban water systems are essential infrastructures for urban sustainability. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the water sector uses 4% of the energy worldwide. The energy cost for wastewater and water supply systems is 30%-40% (IEA, 2019) of the energy global spending. These authors expect the energy consumption in the water sector to double by 2040. Influencing factors for this rise are the increasing use of desalination and higher coverage in wastewater treatment (IEA, 2016). The water supply and wastewater sectors are energy intensive and have a substantial energy footprint. Water utilities typically manage the services in these sectors, including the water supply and wastewater systems. Emissions from these utilities’ activities are significant for greenhouse gas (GHG). Water losses and undesirable flows to sewers directly influence the performance and costs of water supply and wastewater systems. with significant effects on process efficiency, total energy consumption, and cost (Jorge et al., 2022a).