MSc in Water and Sustainable Development

MODULE

Water-energy nexus
Humans extract energy from moving water making hydropower a key component in energy
transition and the search for low-carbon and low-cost solutions to produce sustainable
electricity. Sustainability is considered from two perspectives 1) the ability to utilise
resources without compromising their availability to future generations, and 2) considering
a wider definition which includes the preservation of Earth environment and ecosystems.
Over time, the use this form of energy in a sustainable grid has shifted from a paradigm of
purely generation to its role as a buffer in grid stabilization through storage. Understanding
the nexus and conflicts between water uses requires system-based approaches at the basin
and regional level. This module will provide the students with the skills to assess the current
state of the water and energy nexus of a water supply system, identify and evaluate
potential points for energy harvesting and develop the respective technical solutions for
their implementation. For this purpose, the students will first receive a general introduction
to water systems and how the different types of systems to supply water and produce food,
interact and conflict. The students should be able to apply a system model, identifying
possible solutions for energy generation and co-generation, considering the water-food-
energy-ecosystems nexus.

MSc in Water and Sustainable Development – track modules 2022-2023