Energy costs rank among the top three operating expenses for water utilities, offering significant opportunities for cost savings. Energy use in the water sector accounts for 11% to as much as 40% in operational expenditure. This substantial portion and range underscores the potential for optimizing energy costs across the water cycle. Investing in digital solutions that facilitate energy monitoring and management is key to reducing energy expenses.
Effectively managing volatile energy prices is essential, especially in energy-importing markets, as it reduces operational risks and costs. Additionally, concerns about climate change and energy consumption have intensified the focus on energy efficiency within the utility sector.
Several initiatives from national governments and municipalities provide regulatory support for energy efficiency in the water. Europe is leading the way by implementing mandatory energy audits and setting targets for energy neutrality. Standardization in asset management practices, such as the International Organization for Standardization Asset Management Standard for water and wastewater utilities, has established clear guidelines and incentives at the international level.
The growing availability and reliability of new, data-driven technology solutions—capable of demand forecasting, real-time hydraulic system monitoring, and energy demand management—equip utilities with a modern suite of tools.
This Insight Report presents an overview of key energy management trends in the water, wastewater, and desalination sectors. This analysis explores strategic areas where digital energy optimization solutions can have the most significant impact, particularly in pumping, aeration, and load shifting, highlighting offerings from leading players in the industry. Detailed case studies and profiles of key players are included.
Table of Contents
Section 1 – Energy Management Background & Trends
- Key Drivers and Inhibitors for Energy Management
- Energy Within the Top Three Utility Operating Costs
- Energy Consumption in the Water Sector
- Rising Energy Costs
- Energy-Efficiency Regulations Across Regions
- International Standards Shape Approach to Energy & Asset Management
- Energy-Efficiency Digital Solutions for Municipal Networks
- Mapping the Water Cycle and Key Energy-Intensive Processes
- Key Energy-Intensive Processes in Water Treatment Plants
- Key Energy-Intensive Processes in Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Key Energy-Intensive Processes in Desalination Plants
- Over 450 TWh in Energy-Efficiency Opportunity
- Water Sector CO2 Emissions and Mitigation Strategies
Section 2 – Energy Optimization Solutions
- Defining the Market – Selected Energy Optimization Solutions
- Energy Optimization Enablers in Digital Water
- Digital Water Solution Investments Driving Energy Performance
- Pump Optimization via AI & SCADA Integration
- Key Players in Pump Optimization via AI & SCADA Integration
- Process Optimization in Treatment Plants
- Key Players in Process Optimization for Treatment Plants
- Load Shifting and Demand Response
- Key Players in Load Shifting and Demand Response
Section 3 – Utility Case Studies
- Assessing Utility Digital Maturity for Energy Optimization
- Global Case Studies Overview
- Aqua Water Supply Corporation
- Municipal Corporation of Ayodhya
- East Water
- Großostheim
- MM Spa
- Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Authority
- Vitens
- Anglian Water
- Aarhus Vand Marselisborg WWTP
- Canal de Isabel II
- Eastern Municipal Water District
- Gold Coast Desalination Plant
- Gruppo Hera
- Rheda-Wiedenbrück WWTP
- Velen WWTP
- Adelanto Public Utility Authority
- Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority
- Consorci d’Aigües de Tarragona
- Sanepar
- Wessex Water
- North American Water Treatment Plant
- Saur France
Section 4 – Company Profiles
- ABB
- Aerzen
- Autodesk
- Badger Meter
- Bentley Systems
- Danfoss
- Emerson
- Endress+Hauser
- Grundfos
- Ovarro
- Riventa
- Rockwell Automation
- Samotics
- Schneider Electric
- Scubic
- Siemens
- Specific Energy
- Suez
- Sulzer
- Turing
- Xylem
