Energy and water security must be taken seriously, savings mobilization must begin
The rapid increase in energy prices and the drought in the world have led to announcements in many countries, especially in the EU, that very strict measures will be taken for the economical use of water and energy.
This is also the case for our country. The hikes in electricity and the regional meteorological drought we are experiencing make it necessary for us to start risk management for our water and energy security. In this context, public information activities should be initiated to increase savings in water and energy.
Our dependence on foreign energy resources and the meteorological drought in the region where we produce the cheapest hydroelectric energy in our country make it necessary to take these measures now and to start managing the risks posed by the uncertainty of the coming period.
In this context, the savings program in energy and water use should be addressed together. Because the relationship between water and energy has increased. In other words, the water sector has become more energy intensive and the energy sector more water intensive. In this context, while using water more efficiently, we also save energy.
Energy also plays a very important role in the transmission, treatment and utilization of vital drinking and potable water. Drinking and potable water supplied to big cities is now brought from hundreds of kilometers away. This increases operation and maintenance costs, especially energy costs. Energy cost has an important place in the treatment costs of the water used.
In the literature, it is stated that 15-20% of total energy use is related to water, with varying rates depending on the country. This ratio is important in terms of demonstrating the importance of energy for water, as well as showing that energy can be saved by using water more efficiently.
Developments in the world and in our country reveal that energy and water will need to be used much more efficiently in the coming period. Awareness-raising activities and saving mobilization should be started today in this field.
