Power generation and infrastructure projects require detailed engineering as well as risk management through flow modeling, thereby ensuring that fluid dynamic systems will work properly before construction is initiated. This stage may consist of hydraulic modeling or gas flow modeling (also referred to as air flow modeling and cold flow modeling), depending upon whether the system involves liquid flow, gas flow, or multiphase flow.

Accuracy of flow meters is important for thermal power plants, in order to maximize power output by minimizing uncertainty. Other users of flow meter calibration services include gas distribution companies and water utilities.

A key flow related environmental aspect of cooling and process water for industry is fish protection at intakes. In the hydropower industry, this concern is usually termed fish passage.