Code of good practice for water use in the power industry as a foundation for sustainable development

Power generation is counted among key industries and has a huge impact on the environment, and one of the most important resources used in this industry is water. It is used both in the cooling processes of power plants and for generating energy. Its importance is growing in the context of the energy transition and climate change, which is making water resources increasingly scarce. In the face of these challenges, the creation of a code of good practice for the use of water in the power industry could set a new standard for managing this precious resource, combining environmental, social and economic objectives.

Water as a key element in the energy sector

Water is one of the pillars of energy operations. In the case of thermal power plants, including nuclear and coal-fired plants, it is used to cool the turbines, as well as in the technological processes involved in power generation. In hydroelectric power plants, on the other hand, it is the primary medium that drives the turbines. Unfortunately, the intensive use of water comes with environmental challenges – from thermal pollution of rivers to the risk of over-extraction, which can lead to local depletion.

Climate change is further exacerbating the problem. Droughts, reduced retention and extreme weather events are making water availability increasingly uncertain. Therefore, the energy sector, which is facing a crisis, must not only adapt to the new conditions, but also set the course for responsible resource management.

Code of good practice – the idea and meaning

A code of good practice would be a set of principles that energy companies could adopt as guidelines for the rational, responsible and sustainable use of water. Such a document would aim not only to ensure compliance with regulations, but also to go beyond the minimum required by regulations, promoting innovation and best practices in water management.

The code could perform several key functions:

• education, showing companies what actions they can take to reduce their impact on water resources;
• motivating, inspiring companies to implement new technologies and solutions that reduce water consumption;
• building trust through transparency and cooperation with local communities and other stakeholders.

What should be included in the code?

The code of good practice should include a comprehensive set of principles and guidelines that would address both the technical aspects of water management and broader social and environmental issues.

An important element would be to promote sustainable water management, which means minimizing water consumption in technological processes. In this regard, companies could use closed-loop systems, which allow the same water to be used multiple times. It would also be important to invest in dry-cooling technologies, which significantly reduce water withdrawals from rivers and lakes.

The code could also emphasize the importance of protecting water quality. Power plants and other energy facilities should strive to reduce emissions of pollutants, both chemical and thermal. Introducing advanced wastewater treatment systems and limiting the raising of the temperature of water discharged into the environment are examples of measures that could be enshrined in the code.

Adaptation to climate change

With climate change increasing the risk of water shortages on the one hand, and leading to more frequent flooding on the other, a code of good practice could be a tool to help energy companies adapt to these challenges.

One of the key elements should be planning operations in a way that takes water risk into account. This means analyzing local resources already at the stage of selecting the location of new developments, and building retention systems to collect rainwater and use it later in production processes.

Social dimension of the code

An important aspect of the code would be to take into account the needs of local communities. Energy companies must remember that their operations affect the availability of water for local residents and the environment. Therefore, the code should promote activities that support the sustainable development of the regions in which the companies operate.

Initiatives such as co-financing projects that improve access to drinking water or upgrading local water and sewage infrastructure could be highlighted. The code could encourage companies to dialogue with residents and NGOs to build trust and work together to find solutions that protect water resources.

Benefits of the Code

The introduction of a code of good practice for water use in the energy industry could bring many benefits to both companies and society. Companies that adhere to such rules gain an image as responsible and environmentally friendly. At the same time, reducing water use and pollution reduces operating costs and regulatory risks.

From a social perspective, the code promotes the protection of water resources, which are essential for both human health and ecosystems. Promoting sustainable practices in the energy sector can also help improve relations between companies and local communities.

Summary

A code of good practice for water use in the power industry could become an important tool to support the sector’s sustainable development. Through clear rules, setting goals and promoting the best technological solutions, it would help power companies to better manage water, protect the environment and build public trust. With the growing challenges of limited water resources, creating such a document would be an important step toward a responsible energy future.

Maja Czarzasty-Zybert, Ph.D. – Legal advisor and doctor of legal sciences in love with energy, yachts and motorsport, especially Formula 1. Graduate of postgraduate studies in nuclear energy at the Warsaw School of Economics. Member of the Governing Board of the Polish Committee of the World Energy Council and co-initiator of the “Energy is a Woman” program implemented by the Polish Committee of the World Energy Council, which aims to encourage women to work in the energy sector. She is a member of the Polish Nuclear Society and the European Nuclear Society.