Water for the Energy Transition, Food Security and Nature
Water engineering is at the heart of addressing the critical challenges of the global energy transition, food security, and ecosystem restoration. From enhancing renewable energy options to optimising water use in agriculture, the integration of innovative and sustainable practices is essential for achieving these goals.
Advancing Renewable Energy through Water Engineering
Countries worldwide are shifting their energy dependencies, with water playing a pivotal role in renewable energy solutions. Global hydropower capacity is projected to increase by 17% by the end of this decade, highlighting the importance of this resource. At the same time, thousands of ageing dams present challenges that require rejuvenation, maintenance, or removal. Research into hydrogen economies, water-related renewables, and advanced hydraulic technologies is vital to improving grid stability and integrating complementary renewable sources into the energy mix.
Addressing Food Security with Sustainable Water Solutions
A projected 50% increase in global food demand over the next two decades underscores the need for efficient water use in agriculture, the largest consumer of water resources. Technical innovations are critical to:
Optimising agricultural productivity
Enhancing water use efficiency
Protecting vital water supplies
Fundamental processes such as irrigation, drainage, and pollution control can benefit significantly from improved water storage, controlled flows, and digital technologies. These advancements enable better allocation, precise decision-making, and timely forecasting.
Protecting Nature through Hydro-Environment Engineering
The restoration of ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity are integral to hydro-environment engineering. By combining green and grey solutions, nations can address water security challenges while maintaining healthy ecosystems. Key areas of focus include:
Nature-based solutions
Ecosystem restoration, including rivers, wetlands, aquifers, and coasts
Improved understanding of biotic-abiotic interactions within water systems
Leveraging ecosystem services alongside engineered structures ensures that solutions remain sustainable and effective.
A Holistic Approach to the Water-Energy-Food-Environment Nexus
The Water-Energy-Food-Environment nexus represents a complex interplay of systems that span the entire water cycle. Future solutions must be holistic and multipurpose, addressing interconnected challenges with innovative, sustainable, and adaptable strategies.
Organisation of a High Level Panel on Water Engineering for Energy Transition and Food Security during the 41st IAHR World Congress
With the theme “Innovative Water Engineering for Sustainable Development”, the 41st IAHR World Congress (IAHR2025) will be held from 22-27 June 2025 at the Singapore EXPO. It aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, exchange cutting-edge knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing water-related challenges.
Upcoming
16th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics in Lausanne, Switzerland
Thirty-two years after its first edition in Trondheim, the International Symposium on Ecohydraulics (ISE) will, for the first time, be held in Switzerland—Europe’s “water tower.” ISE 2026 will take place at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), hosted by the Swisstech Convention Center on the EPFL campus.
Upcoming issue of Hydrolink Magazine on Green Infrastructure - Nature Based Solutions
Hydrolink is the primary magazine of the IAHR community. The online version of Hydrolink is open to non-members since 2021 as part of the efforts of the association to disseminate and share knowledge. The upcoming issue of Hydrolink will explore Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions, innovative approaches that harness natural processes to enhance water management and climate resilience.
Upcoming issue of Hydrolink Magazine on Pumped Storage
Hydrolink is the primary magazine of the IAHR community. The online version of Hydrolink is open to non-members since 2021 as part of the efforts of the association to disseminate and share knowledge. The upcoming issue of Hydrolink will explore Pumped Storage, a key technology for energy storage and grid stability in the transition to renewable energy. This edition will feature expert insights and the latest innovations in pumped storage hydropower.
Upcoming publication of the IAHR White Paper on the Future Directions of Ecohydraulics
A Framework for Meeting the Challenges of Managing Aquatic Resources in a Complex Changing World. For more info, contact Michele Mossa.
The following members are leading the thematic priority area on Water for the Energy Transition, Food Security and Nature:
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
United States
Lance Gore
Asia Development Bank
Philippines
Woolpert Engineering
United States
Discover a wealth of knowledge through the IAHR Resource Guide on Global Water Security and the IAHR Resource Guide on Ecohydraulics. Gain access to thousands of videos, publications, and related documents that support research, innovation, and solutions in Water for the Energy Transition, Food Security and Nature.
Explore these resources and stay informed on the latest developments in hydro-environmental sciences by visiting the guide.
IAHR unites over 5,000 experts globally in hydro-environmental sciences and their practical applications. With more than 20 technical committees, working groups, regional divisions, national chapters, and partnerships with leading water institutions, IAHR is at the forefront of advancing climate change adaption and mitigation.
Join Our Communities
IAHR welcomes both individual members and organisations to contribute. Explore the Directory of IAHR Experts and connect with our vibrant Technical Communities. Explore our Committe in Ecohydraulics.
Collaborate: Join existing initiatives or propose new ones. IAHR offers a truly global platform to exchange, inform and work together.
Reach out to theme leaders or our theme coordinator, Elsa Incio at: elsa.incio@iahr.org to discuss!
Together, we can drive innovation and solutions for pressing hydro-environmental challenges. Your expertirse and ideas are essential to our mission.
Articles on Water Resources
Four articles on Deep Lakes
Articles on Interbasin Management
Explore other Thematic Priority Areas: