Energy recovery, enhanced resilience, and sustainability in European water networks: Harnessing the water-energy nexus

Climate change intensifies weather events, posing challenges for water distribution networks. We present tools to optimize energy recovery in water networks across Europe as part of the Horizon Europe H–Hope project. This recovery harnesses vortex-induced vibrations in water flow to harvest energy, power sensors, and implement early warning systems. Authors analyzed data from various case studies: Spain, Italy, Türkiye, Austria, Czech Republic, and Iceland. A comprehensive database was created – including velocity, pressure, and temperature data – to model optimal conditions. Capacity factors, power outputs, and intermittency indicators were calculated to assess harvester feasibility. Results reveal that energy recovery varies significantly between network types. Drinking water networks in cities such as the Spain case exhibit daily fluctuations – lower nighttime velocities – while district heating systems such as the Iceland case are more stable. The most promising case studies, like the Türkiye case, demonstrate energy outputs with estimated productions from 45 to 2654 kWh over 20 years. Therefore, energy harvesting in water networks can provide a sustainable solution to power sensors and generate early warning signals, improving climate resilience. Energy recovery in water networks generates significant energy, offering a practical approach to enhance the water-energy nexus, adaptation, and energy management.