The document discusses the interconnections between water and energy systems. It notes that water is used and impacted across the entire energy sector for activities like fuel extraction, processing, power plant operations, and emissions controls. Likewise, it outlines how energy is used and important for all aspects of water management from extraction and treatment to distribution and end use. Several graphs and maps are provided showing water usage for energy production as well as major water and energy infrastructure projects in California. The document advocates for recognizing these interdependencies and pursuing integrated solutions that address challenges and opportunities in both sectors.

1. The Water-Energy Nexus:
Opportunities and Challenges
Heather Cooley, Pacific Institute
October 27, 2013

2. The Water-Energy Nexus
Energy
Water
• Energy Extraction
• Water Extraction
• Fuel processing
• Conveyance
• Transportation
• Treatment
• Generation
• Distribution
• Emissions Control
• Customer End Use

4. Once-Through Cooling System
Source: GAO

5. Recirculating Cooling System
Source: GAO

6. Dry Cooling Systems
Source: GAO

7. Not All Energy Systems are the Same!
Source: Averyt et al.

8. Water for Thermoelectric Generation
Water Withdrawals
Water Consumption

9. 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

10. Mohave Generating Plant
Photo: Center for Land Use Interpretation
Photo: Jonathon LeFaive

11. Growing Concern: Water Availability
Threatens Energy Security
Source: U.S. DOE 2013

12. Shale Gas Resources
Data Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2011). Annual Energy Outlook.

13. Energy Sector Trends
• Unconventional oil and gas (hydraulic
fracturing)
• Increased demand for electricity
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
• Transportation fuels (ethanol, biofuels,
and electricity)

14. The Water-Energy Nexus
Energy
Water
• Energy Extraction
• Water Extraction
• Fuel processing
• Conveyance
• Transportation
• Treatment
• Generation
• Distribution
• Emissions Control
• Customer End Use

15. Source: Oregon Climate Service, 1995

16. California Water
Projects
Federal Projects

17. California Water
Projects
State Projects
[map from CDWR 2002]

18. Photo Courtesy of California Department of Water Resources

19. California Water
Projects
Local Projects

20. California Water
Projects
All Water Projects
[map from CDWR 2002]

21. Source: GAO 2011

22. Water-Related Electricity and
Natural Gas Use
Wastewater
Treatment
3%
Wastewater
Treatment
1%
Water Supply and
Treatment
<1%
Water
Supply and
Treatment
14%
End Use
83%
Electricity
Source: California Energy Commission 2005
End Use
99%
Natural Gas

23. =
5 minutes
60-W light bulb for 14 hours

24. Water Sector Trends
• Emerging contaminants and stricter
water quality regulations
• Climate change
• Population and economic growth

25. Proposed
Seawater
Desalination
Plants

26. Challenges = Opportunities!

27. Water Conservation and Efficiency
• Urban and agricultural sectors
• Indoor and outdoor savings
• Social, economic, and environmental
benefits

28. Capturing Stormwater
 Reduces storm water flows
 Improves water quality
 Promotes groundwater recharge
 Saves energy by reducing pumping and
treatment requirements

29. Rainwater Harvesting
• Surface water from roofs or hard surfaces
caused by rainfall
• Common uses: irrigation, flushing toilets,
washing machines, process uses

30. 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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