Water as an Enabler of Energy Efficiency: Materials and Process Innovations for a Sustainable Future

Water and energy are intrinsically interconnected in the pursuit of global sustainability, with water functioning as both a key resource and a critical mediator in energy systems. The increasing demand for energy, coupled with growing water scarcity and environmental concerns, underscores the urgent need to optimize the interconnection between these two essential resources. Recent years have seen significant advances in materials science and process engineering, improving the energy efficiency of water use and harnessing water’s unique properties to drive sustainable transformations across various industries. Despite these advances, challenges persist in fully realizing the synergistic potential of water and energy, with ongoing debates surrounding the scalability, economic viability, and environmental impact of emerging technologies. Continued research is necessary to close gaps related to long-term performance, integration into existing systems, and holistic lifecycle assessments of materials and processes.This Research Topic explores innovations that position water as a pivotal element in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability. Specifically, it seeks to highlight multidisciplinary investigations that bring together novel materials development, process design, and systems integration to address the pressing challenges found at the water-energy interface. By fostering a platform for cutting-edge research, the goal is to deepen understanding of how water can be strategically harnessed to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and support circular resource use across sectors, while also identifying new opportunities for transformative technological breakthroughs.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses both fundamental research and applied innovations focused on enhancing energy efficiency through water-related materials and processes. Contributions may address advances at the laboratory scale or in real-world applications, with consideration for both technical feasibility and broader sustainability impacts.We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Advanced materials for water-mediated energy conversion and storage• Energy efficient water treatment and purification technologies • Water-based process intensification for reduced industrial energy use• Integration of water and energy systems in urban and industrial frameworks• Circular economy approaches and resource recovery linking water and energy efficiency• Policy, economics, and lifecycle analysis of water-enabled energy strategies• Demonstration projects and case studies showcasing sustainable implementations. Topic editors: R. J. Romero, Jesús Cerezo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76145/water-as-an-enabler-of-energy-efficiency-materials-and-process-innovations-for-a-sustainable-future