Green technologies in water treatment and recycling for the energy industry

Water is one of the most important resources that modern power generation relies on. Used both in cooling processes in power plants and in many other stages of energy production, it plays a key role in maintaining system efficiency and stability. Faced with the challenges of water availability and increasing environmental demands, more and more energy companies are betting on innovative green technologies for water treatment and recycling. And how do these solutions affect energy efficiency and the move toward zero-carbon?

Drought in Poland – challenges for the energy sector

Drought – one of the most serious threats to Poland – has become increasingly severe in recent years. Climate change, including prolonged periods without rain, is becoming an everyday occurrence, and predictions indicate that the situation may worsen. In Poland, as in many other parts of Europe, we are seeing increasing water deficits, especially during summer periods, which has a huge impact on the energy sector, which still largely cools its plants with it.

Lack of adequate resources during periods of drought leads to problems in the operation of water-cooled power plants. In such situations, energy production can be reduced, which in turn affects system stability. The energy sector, whose infrastructure is closely linked to water, is facing increasing challenges related to its availability. Therefore, implementing solutions to manage the resource more efficiently is becoming an absolute necessity.

Modern methods of industrial water treatment and their impact on energy efficiency

It is not enough to run the water we use in industrial power processes through a filter. Many power plants struggle with the contaminants they introduce into the cooling water system, including heavy metals, chemicals or organic compounds. Traditional treatment methods, while effective, are costly, energy-intensive and generate additional waste. Fortunately, science is not standing still, and green technologies are taking over the role of traditional solutions.

Membrane technologies – the future in water treatment

Reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) are two of the state-of-the-art membrane technologies that have become the cornerstone of water treatment processes in power plants. Unlike traditional methods, membranes make it possible to remove contaminants, such as heavy metals and microparticles, without the need for aggressive chemicals. With RO and NF, water becomes very clean, which is crucial for cooling processes that are essential for power plant operations.

But membranes are not just a technological solution – they are also an example of an advanced approach to energy efficiency. They make it possible to reduce energy consumption, which in traditional water treatment systems is used, for example, in distillation or pressure filtration processes. Thanks to modern membrane technologies, it is possible to obtain high quality water with minimal energy consumption – an important part of the drive toward zero-carbon energy production.

Membrane bioreactors – harmony of biology and technology

Another example of innovation in water treatment is the use of membrane bioreactors (MBRs). This is a combination of biological technology and membrane filtration that allows for effective treatment of industrial water. Bioreactors, containing microorganisms capable of breaking down contaminants, not only remove chemicals, but also degrade heavy metals and other toxic compounds. This approach is of great importance, especially in the case of coal or gas-fired power plants, which generate high concentrations of pollutants in cooling waters.

Membrane bioreactors are an example of how technology can work with nature. Using microorganisms to purify water not only reduces the energy intensity of processes, but also reduces chemical waste. What’s more, biotechnology can become an answer to the growing pressure on industry to reduce its environmental impact.

Advanced oxidation processes – efficiency at the molecular level

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are another green technology gaining popularity in the energy industry. Through the use of ozone, hydrogen peroxide or UV radiation, it is possible to remove hard-to-degrade organic and chemical substances from industrial water. AOPs offer great flexibility – the processes can be used in a variety of conditions, and their effectiveness does not depend on the specifics of the pollutants, making them ideal for power plants with different business profiles.

Interestingly, AOPs allow water to be regenerated at the molecular level, which is crucial for energy production. By using these technologies, it is possible to obtain water that meets the quality requirements for cooling processes, minimizing the consumption of raw materials and energy.

Water recycling in power plants – zero carbon vs. zero water consumption

One of the most important questions in the context of the green energy transition is: can zero-carbon energy production go hand in hand with zero water consumption? The vast majority of power plants, both traditional and renewable, depend on water resources for cooling turbines, condensers and in many manufacturing processes. However, with increasing environmental demands and pressure to reduce the water footprint, more and more companies are beginning to implement circular systems that allow water recovery and reuse.

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) – a technological revolution

One state-of-the-art approach is the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system, which allows full recovery of water from industrial processes, eliminating the generation of water waste. In power plants, ZLD relies on advanced filtration and evaporation technologies to recover nearly 100 percent of the water used in cooling processes. Although the introduction of such solutions involves significant initial costs, in the long term it can bring both economic and environmental benefits, especially in areas where access to water is limited.

Water recycling in renewable energy sources

Water recycling is not limited to fossil fuel-fired power plants. Solar or geothermal power plants are also making attempts to minimize water consumption. In solar power plants, water is mainly used to cool photovoltaic panels, but waterless cooling is also possible.

Geothermal power plants, which use the earth’s heat resources, are also beginning to implement water recovery technologies, reducing the water footprint of plants that were previously often considered resource-intensive.

Summary

Green technologies in water purification and recycling in the energy industry are a step toward a future in which water resources are used as efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible. The use of advanced membrane technologies, bioreactors or oxidation processes makes it possible to effectively purify water, reducing its consumption and minimizing its negative impact on the environment. This is necessary to meet the challenges of drought, limited water availability and the quest for carbon neutrality, which should become a priority for the energy sector.

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.