Renewable energy sources have contributed significantly to the reduction of our carbon footprint.  However, it comes at a price according to a recent report.  The report suggests that the increase in the use of these resources could in 20 years increase the water footprint in the energy sector.

There is a projected increase of domestic water consumption up until 2030 and the energy sector accounts for 85% of the projected amount.  A research was conducted to measure water consumption levels for individual scenarios in the production of energy.  According to the results, the water footprint in the global energy sector could increase by up to 66 percent.

Biofuels and hydropower systems utilize plenty of water to produce energy.  In contrast, coal power generation and wind power doesn’t use half as much.  In fact, wind power is the only renewable energy source that uses a minuscule amount of water to produce energy.  The results from the report also suggest that Biofuels and hydro-power systems could intensify water shortages.