Water and marine resources

Water scarcity and pollution is recognised as one of the most critical global risks: today, over two billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water (1 in 4 people globally still lack access to safe drinking water – WHO, UNICEF), while roughly half the planet’s population faces periods of severe water scarcity at least part of the year (UNESCO+1).

Energy production plays a critical role in global water risks, as the generation of energy in many cases comes with a significant water footprint. Many traditional power sources (coal, gas, nuclear, hydro) have significant water footprints through e.g., freshwater  consumption for cooling. Renewable energy technologies like wind and solar have far lower water footprints than other energy sources (The consumptive water footprint of electricity and heat: a global assessment).   

Shifting toward low-water-intensity energy sources like wind is therefore not only beneficial from a climate and carbon perspective — it also reduces pressure on freshwater resources.

The primary water consumption for wind turbine production is for domestic purposes. Nonetheless, we work to minimise our water consumption and ensure we do not contribute to water pollution. 

During 2024 and 2025, we have implemented a new water management system across all Vestas locations where we are responsible for water management. We also focus on water leakage management to reduce wastage and overall consumption. By continuously reducing water use, especially in water stressed areas, we minimise our impact on people and nature.

In 2025, our total water consumption was 95 thousand m3. 27 percent of water consumption was from areas at water risk.