UK must find more water to achieve net zero by 2050

Water scarcity could become a significant stumbling block on the UK's path to net zero.

A new report warns that without urgent action, the high water demands of industrial decarbonisation could outpace supply in key regions as soon as 2030.

The study, commissioned by national water retailer Wave and conducted in collaboration with Durham University, highlights that processes such as hydrogen production and carbon capture, both central to the UK’s net zero ambitions, require vast volumes of water.

Simon Mathias, professor at Durham University, said: "Our analysis shows that decarbonisation efforts, associated with carbon capture and hydrogen production, could add up to 860 million litres per day of water demand by 2050.

Professor Andrew Smallbone, Professor Fred Worralland Professor Sim