Future Sustainable Water and Energy Policy for Algeria

Abstract

This paper summarises the findings of many studies and surveys in the water and energy sectors in order to make recommendations for water and energy policies in Algeria. We provide an overview of current policy concerning water, energy, and climate change. We investigate the impact of the water-energy nexus on current policy developments. We made specific proposals to aid in the integration of water and energy policies in Algeria. This study demonstrates how, in the absence of integrated policies, the inextricable historical linkages between water and electricity have given rise to spurious trade-offs between water and energy. Drought and climate change are projected to increase demand for electricity, and water sector adaptation strategies have the potential to contribute to climate change by encouraging investment in energy-intensive technologies such as desalination and enhanced wastewater treatment. The findings indicate that demand management programmes and water pricing regulations that lower water and energy intensity in important industries are likely to benefit Algeria's whole economy and environment. The findings are equally applicable to other countries confronted with the burden of developing appropriate strategies to manage their water and energy issues.