Analysis of Opportunities and Challenges for the Water-Energy Nexus

The economic development, the population growth and the urbanization will increase water and energy world demand. As a consequence, the conflict between water resources and energy production will be intensified and the environment will be impacted by this competition. In addition to the direct influence of human activities, climate changes and extreme climate events have affected the water availability and, as consequence, the energy production. The aims of this article are to present the water-energy nexus and the importance of making an integrated planning between water and energy sectors. This article also presents the main challenges and opportunities that researchers, companies and governments will find in order to guide more sustainable regarding the water-energy nexus. Thus, it is indispensable to consider the water-energy nexus in planning and government decision-making at all levels, from municipal to national.