Renewable energy integration in sustainable water systems: A review

Abstract

The world's demand for water and energy is continuously growing due to population increase. Traditional water systems are driven by energy produced using fossil fuels, which lead to global warming due to rise of greenhouse gas pollution. Global warming is an increasing motivation to integrate renewable energy resources in water systems for different purposes like water pumping, water supply, and water distribution systems. As a result, to have a smart, sustainable and low-cost water system, renewable resources, energy management, and monitoring should be simultaneously implemented. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the research conducted on solutions and effects of integrating different types of renewable resources on water systems. As essential tools for secure integration of renewable resource in the water industry, the pivotal role of energy management and intelligent technologies within the water system have been explored. This review confirms the potential of achieving smart and sustainable water systems by simultaneously considering the use of renewable resources, conducting energy management strategies, and smartening the water system; however, further research is essential to improve water system performance and increase the efficiency of the system.