The U.S. energy transition is driving a transformative shift in power generation, moving from coal to natural gas and, more recently, accelerating the adoption of renewables like wind and solar. Emerging technologies such as hydrogen, battery storage, and a resurgence in nuclear power are expanding the portfolio of energy generation options.
The energy transition is, in essence, also a water transition, as the U.S. power sector remains one of the nation's largest water consumers. Driven by regulatory mandates, technological advances, and federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act, this shift is reshaping electricity generation and the sector's significant water footprint.
Bluefield Research's team of water experts has developed this Insight Report to illuminate the key factors influencing the U.S. power sector and uncover emerging growth opportunities within the water sector.
Companies Mentioned:
Acciona
AECOM
AES Water Solutions
Airbus
Anglo American
Arup
Ballard
BHE Renewables
BHP
Black & Veatch
Bloom Energy
Bosch
BP
Burns & McDonnell
BWT
Chevron
CHN Energy Investment Corporation
Cummins
De Nora Water Technologies
DuPont
Ecolab
EDF Renewables
EDP Renewables
Endesa
Enel
Engie
Eni SpA
Equinor
Eurowater
Evoqua Water Technologies
ExxonMobil
Flowserve
FPL
GHD
Grundfos
Hydrogenics
Hyundai
Iberdrola
ITM Power
Jacobs
John Cockerill
Kiewit Corporation
McPhy
Mott MacDonald
National Grid
Nel Hydrogen
NextEra
orsted
Ovivo
Plug Power Inc.
Renault
Repsol
RWE AG
Shell
Siemens
SUEZ
SWECO
Thyssenkrupp
Toray Industries
Total Environmental Solutions
Vale S.A.
Veolia
Vinci SA
Worley
Xylem
Table of Contents
Section 1: Electric Power's Changing Supply & Demand Profile
The Power Sector's Thirst for Water
The Energy Transition Is Reshaping the U.S. Electricity Fuel Mix
Highlighting Water Dependency of Thermal-Powered States
Electric Power Demand Poised for Uptick
Power Demand Transitions to Next Phase
High-Growth Industries Drive Demand for Water Management Solutions
Section 2: Electric Power's Water Footprint
Water Plants Shift Toward Water-Efficient Cooling
Water Requirements by Fuel Type
Water Plants Shift Toward Water-Efficient Cooling
Generation Fuels Geographic Water Demand and Risks
Section 3: Market Disruptors Driving Water Management Opportunities
3.1. Big Tech's Thirst for Water is on the Rise
3.2. Cleaning Up Coal's Legacy
3.3. Hydrogen Hits the Renewable Horizon
3.4. Midstream Water for Natural Gas
3.5. Battery Supply Chain Sparks Surge in Water Demand