Following an invitation by the organizers of the Athens Energy Forum which was successfully held at the King George hotel in central Athens on February 5, the Chairman of the IENE, Costis Stambolis, moderated the panel on the, “ Water-Energy Nexus- A strategic partnership for sustainable development”. The panel consisted of some leading experts from Greece and overseas and included Dr. Athanasios Dagoumas, President of Greece’s Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water, Dr. Vassilis Deligiannis, General Manager of ENOIA, a leading Athens based engineering company, Konstantinos Eleftneriadis, Partner, Energy, Resources & Industrials Sector Leader, at Deloitte and Dr. Eitan Lasri, CEO of Israel based Etgar company, a leading strategic planning consultant.
In his introductory remarks the Chairman of IENE briefly explained the water-energy nexus concept and how this highlights the interdependence between water and energy systems. Essentially, large amounts of water are required for energy production, and significant amounts of energy are needed for water extraction, treatment,and distribution. This interconnection creates challenges related to resource management, sustainability, and climate resilience. Furthermore, Costis outlined the two basic parameters involved in the water-energy nexus. Firstly, the water for energy aspect which covers power generation, including thermal and nuclear plants, hydropower, fuel extraction and refining and CCUS. Secondly, the energy for water aspect which covers water extraction and distribution, water treatment and water heating.
In the discussion which ensued the panelists discussed at length the need for a consistent plan concerning the required infrastructure work for water storage, transmission and distribution that needs to be put in place as energy demand grows and higher water volumes are required. In this context the Regulator, Dr. Dagoumas, pointed out that vital legislation is yet to be completed and passed through parliament, as this is necessary for local water utilities to be certified as reliable operators according to latest EU standards, but also to provide a basis and a complete technical framework for much needed private investment. The issue of water provision through desalination in the East Mediterranean was raised by most speakers and Dr. Lasri in particular who briefly described Israel’s huge experience and renowned technical capability.
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