the water-energy nexus: opportunities and challenges
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The Water-Energy Nexus: Opportunities and Challenges, presented by Heather Cooley, Pacific Institute, at the Electrochemical Energy Summit in San Francisco on October 27.TRANSCRIPT
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
654 13th Street, Preservation Park, Oakland, CA 94612
Phone:: (510) 251-1600 Email: [email protected] Web:
www.pacinst.org