Solutions for Water platform – World Water Forum 6th – Marseille 2012

Key Priority 2.3 Harmonize Energy for Water fits into the 2nd Strategic Direction of the Forum “Contribute to Economic Development” of the 6th World Water Forum. There is an intrinsic link between the challenge we face to ensure water security and manage the world’s rapidly growing demand for energy. Generic understanding of the nexus is commonly shared now. However a more detailed understanding is needed to lead to an effective response. The purpose of Key Priority 2.3 is to link decision-makers and stakeholders from the water sector with their counterparts in the energy sector in order to address the water-energy nexus. The challenge is to meet water and energy demand through efficiency improvements.and shifts in supply, without impacting the other resource The World Water Forum presents a unique opportunity to bring key actors together and bring issues out of silos to discuss them on an international, regional and intersectoral level. The Key Priority 2.3 will consider the nexus of energy and water: Energy requirements for water are dealt with in: Target 1 ‘Improving energy efficiency of urban water systems’, Target 2 ‘Energy use in desalination technologies’, and Target 3 ‘Affordable energy for water systems in off-grid communities’. Water requirements for energy will be the focus of Target 4 ‘Evaluation framework for energy impacts on water’, Target 5 ‘Hydropower sustainability assessment tool’, Target 6 ‘ Impacts of oil and gas production on water’, and Target 7 ‘Biofuel production and water management’. It will be the aim of the 6th World Water Forum to focus on solutions that will be carried forward after the event. The Key Priority 2.3 will therefore work through expert networks for the targets, establish solutions, share best practices and develop and implement guidance and assessment tools to promote sustainable practices. Target 8 ‘Policy network for energy and water’. This target consists in setting up a network of high-level policy-makers, at a ministerial level, with support from business and civil society leaders. It aims at establishing strong links with the political process and will result in recommendations that will serve to advise governments on how to best approach the interlinkages between water and energy. Identified conditions of success for the Key Priority 2.3 are: Scientifically founded approach to the targets in order to develop solutions that are SMART. Common scientific language for considering water and energy issues Establishing a common understanding and collaboration between actors from the water and energy sectors Sharing best practice examples from relevant water and energy sectors High-level international representation among the Target and Solution Groups. Collaboration with a range of stakeholders from all sectors, including government, intergovernmental, private sector, and civil society.

Targets

• 2.3.1 Energy efficiency of urban water systems

• 2.3.2 Best Available Technologies on desalination

• 2.3.3 Isolated communities are powered by affordable energy sources

• 2.3.4 Evaluation & reporting of energy impacts on water

• 2.3.5 Sustainable hydropower schemes

• 2.3.6 Oil & gas production impact on water

• 2.3.7 Best water management practices for biofuels production

• 2.3.8 Network of water and energy policy makers