Water is not only relevant to hydropower energy production; it is also utilized in virtually all types of energy production. The extraction of coal, oil, natural gas and uranium requires water. Thermal power needs water for steam production and/or cooling. Silicon solar panels use water in production. In turn, groundwater abstraction, lifting and conveyance as well as desalination and wastewater treatment need energy. Energy production is the greatest industrial user of water, and increasing energy production necessitates increased access to freshwater.

Climate change can significantly impact water availability, which in turn affects energy production.