Digitalisation of the European Water Sector to Foster the Green and Digital Transitions

Abstract

During the Digital Decade, the European Union (EU) is facing two important challenges: the green (and energy) transition and the digital transition, which are interconnected with one another. These transitions are of high relevance in the water sector, as water is always becoming more vulnerable to climate change (e.g., droughts and floods) and human activities (e.g., pollution and depletion). Hence, digital technologies are emerging as multi-benefit solutions to improve the sustainability of the water sector. In this study, some of the several economic benefits entailed by digital solutions are estimated with a focus on leakage reduction in water distribution networks, reduction of combined sewer overflows and on the improvement of hydropower generation and operation. The benefits are calculated for each EU Member State and the UK, and then aggregated at the EU scale. Benefits were quantified in EUR 5.0, 0.14 and 1.7 billion per year (EUR 13.2 per person per year, on average), respectively, excluding environmental and social benefits, which may play a non-negligible role.

Transparency and Digitalization in Water Services: Reality or Still a Dream?

“…Several studies recognize the positive effect of digitalization on transparency in management and decision making in water supply management companies [18,41]. In line with this author, Stein et al [45] highlight the need to take digitalization into account as an important element within the water sector, which will make it possible to propose digital solutions that achieve or improve transparency and efficiency in decision making within integrated water resources management.…”

“…In this sense, digitizing water distribution networks brings several environmental, social and economic benefits. In relation to the latter, authors such as Quaranta et al [41] estimate that, in the member countries of the European Union, as well as in the United Kingdom, digitalization could bring an average of EUR 13.2 per person per year, which would motivate these countries to invest in digitizing the water sector [42].…”

Digitalization, Industry 4.0, Data, KPIs, Modelization and Forecast for Energy Production in Hydroelectric Power Plants: A Review

“…Tailored methodologies can be used to evaluate the potential economic benefits provided by digitalization in hydropower generation and operation. Increase of efficiency, improvement of the reservoir operation and damage prevention can be taken into account together with the fact that the hydropower sector can be associated with other sectors in a water-energy-food ecosystem [54]. Optimal trade-offs between empowering renewable energy and the reduction of the costs in hydropower plants must be ensured;, hydropower trading and predictive maintenance on hydro plants are methodologies that can be accelerated by digital transformation [55].…”

“…Computation of the benefits for EU states and for UK (excluding environmental and social benefits). [54] Digital transformation in renewable energy.…”