"Research commissioned by a water retailer has found water scarcity could hamper the UK's ability to reach its net zero targets, and that industrial growth could push some areas of the country into water shortages. The government has a legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and has committed to a clean power system by 2030 with at least 95% of electricity generated from low-carbon sources,"
"Led by Prof Simon Mathias, an expert in hydraulics, hydrology and environmental engineering, researchers assessed plans across England's five largest industrial clusters in Humberside, north-west England, the Tees Valley, the Solent and the Black Country, to determine how much water would be needed to reach net zero and whether the UK's future water supply could meet this demand. Decarbonisation efforts associated with carbon capture and hydrogen production could add up to 860m litres per day of water demand by 2050."
Tensions are increasing between government, the water sector and regulators as the Environment Agency warns of a potential widespread drought next year. Water scarcity could hamper the UK's net zero targets as industrial growth and decarbonisation projects require large water volumes. Carbon capture and hydrogen production could add up to 860 million litres per day of demand by 2050. Some regions, including parts served by Anglian Water and United Utilities, could face deficits as early as 2030. Humberside decarbonisation could create a 130 million litres per day shortfall by 2050. Funding and planning for water resources and project siting will determine regional impacts.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]