The UK’s transition to a highly decarbonised energy regime that is in consonance with GHG emission reduction targets, and climate change mitigation aspirations would require significant changes to the energy system, and the current level of natural resource use for energy provision - in particular water. On the other hand, the impact of climate uncertainties on water resources, coupled with potential future increased demand for water by other sectors of the UK economy may result in water scarcity issues in some regions of the UK. Meeting the water demand for all sectors of the economy under these circumstances could result in significant changes in the water industry including trans-regional bulk water transfers and building of more desalination plants, which are both energy and GHG intensive. However, within the water industry, energy use remains the highest operational cost, thus a further increase in energy intensity of water provision would be an additional burden. 

Speakers:
Elmar Kriegler, PIK (Germany) – The use of IAMs for policy analysis
Keywan Riahi, IIASA (Austria) – The role of IAMs for the analysis of sustainable development

Discussants:
Martin Haigh, Senior Analyst and lead on Shell’s world energy model, Shell International
Jonathan Tecwyn, Head of Energy Pathways Modelling Team, Analysis Directorate, The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC)

Chair:
Neil Strachan, UCL