the water-energy nexus: opportunities and challenges

The Water-Energy Nexus:

Opportunities and Challenges

Heather Cooley, Pacific Institute

October 27, 2013

The Water-Energy Nexus

Energy Water

• Energy Extraction

• Fuel processing

• Transportation

• Generation

• Emissions Control

• Water Extraction

• Conveyance

• Treatment

• Distribution

• Customer End Use

Once-Through Cooling System

Source: GAO

Recirculating Cooling System

Source: GAO

Dry Cooling Systems

Source: GAO

Not All Energy Systems are the Same!

Source: Averyt et al.

Water for Thermoelectric Generation

Water Withdrawals Water Consumption

Lake Mead Water Levels, 1983 & 2007

Source: Pat Mulroy, General Manager, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Lake

Mead Intake No. 3, Keynote address, PowerPoint presentation, Environmental

Services Association of Alberta, Banff, Alberta, Canada, April 22, 2010

Mohave Generating Plant

Photo: Jonathon LeFaive

Photo: Center for Land Use Interpretation

Growing Concern: Water Availability Threatens Energy Security

Source: U.S. DOE 2013

Shale Gas Resources

Data Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2011). Annual Energy Outlook.

Energy Sector Trends

• Unconventional oil and gas (hydraulic

fracturing)

• Increased demand for electricity

• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

• Transportation fuels (ethanol, biofuels,

and electricity)

The Water-Energy Nexus

Energy Water

• Energy Extraction

• Fuel processing

• Transportation

• Generation

• Emissions Control

• Water Extraction

• Conveyance

• Treatment

• Distribution

• Customer End Use

Source: Oregon Climate Service, 1995

California Water

Projects

Federal Projects

California Water

Projects

State Projects

[map from CDWR 2002]

Photo Courtesy of California Department of Water Resources

California Water

Projects

Local Projects

California Water

Projects

All Water Projects

[map from CDWR 2002]

Source: GAO 2011

Source: California Energy Commission 2005

Water

Supply and Treatment

14%

End Use

83%

Wastewater

Treatment3%

Water Supply and Treatment

<1%

End Use99%

Wastewater Treatment

1%

Water-Related Electricity and Natural Gas Use

Electricity Natural Gas

=

5 minutes

60-W light bulb for 14 hours

Water Sector Trends

• Emerging contaminants and stricter

water quality regulations

• Climate change

• Population and economic growth

Proposed Seawater

Desalination Plants

Challenges = Opportunities!

Water Conservation and Efficiency

• Urban and agricultural sectors

• Indoor and outdoor savings

• Social, economic, and environmental

benefits

Capturing Stormwater

Reduces storm water flows

Improves water quality

Promotes groundwater recharge

Saves energy by reducing pumping and

treatment requirements

Rainwater Harvesting

• Surface water from roofs or hard surfaces

caused by rainfall

• Common uses: irrigation, flushing toilets,

washing machines, process uses

Water Reuse

Capturing wastewater and reusing it for

non-potable or in some cases potable uses

Can occur at various scales

Residence, facility, building

Small group of buildings or district

Municipal scale

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