Why the next big frontier for renewable energy could be underwater.

While electricity generated from renewables is often less water-intensive, other factors might also influence choices about renewable deployment. Since these important factors, which include land-use requirements and environmental impacts on wildlife, are evaluated in permitting processes for renewable deployment across jurisdictions, studies need to be further continued.

Power grids, too, can be less or more water-intensive. Individual companies and facilities will seldom be able to select an alternative-power grid; however, they can sometimes opt for virtual power-plant agreements that allow them to source all of their purchased electricity from renewable power sources.

Power management is only one of several methods that companies can use to manage their water footprints, down to the site and basin level. Other methods include improving operational efficiency to reduce the amount of water used.