URGENCY VISION SUCCESS VALUE DISTINCTION

The Water / Energy NexusAvoiding limits on our energy future

URGENCY

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The Water / Energy Nexus

Water use and availability will soon limit emerging opportunities for energy independence and economic development.

URGENCY

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The Water / Energy Nexus

Water use and availability will limit our energy choices without substantial efficiency improvements.

Shale Gas?

3 MM gal /well & quality concerns

Carbon sequestration?

25% greater water usage

Biofuels?

Doubling of water consumption for fuels

EnergySource

NeedsIn 2035 1000’s MW

Water Consumption

Gal/MWh

Coal 140 200-480

Nuclear 5 400-720

Renewables 25 7401

Natural Gas 15 1002

1 concentrating solar 2 combined cycle

VISION

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The Water / Energy Nexus

Provide water with consistent quantity and quality to avoid limiting our energy choices.

Facing challenges like too little water, too much water, & poor water quality

SUCCESS

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The Water / Energy Nexus

Rapid growth in reuse and desalination

0

5

10

Conventional Treatment

Brackish NF Brackish RO Sea Water RO

KWh/

m3

Decreased Energy Use

Current

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

1990 2000 2010 2020 2030

Billo

n G

al/D

ay

Increased Water Availability

Reuse

Desalination

0

5

10

Conventional Treatment

Brackish NF Brackish RO Sea Water RO

KWh/

m3

Decreased Energy Use

Current

Improvements in energy efficiency of water treatment

Supply of water for human and ecological needs on a competitive basis; technologies to reduce use and increase reuse of water with minimum increase in cost and energy.

VALUE

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The Water / Energy Nexus

The technologies we develop will enable effective use and reuse of water and increase access to water for economic growth.

DISTINCTION

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The Water / Energy Nexus

Cockrell School Strengths• Critical mass in water-related

technologies• National leadership in

water/wastewater treatment technologies, water and membrane chemistry, environmental processes and effects, energy technologies

Unique interdisciplinary collaborations• LBJ School of Public Affairs• College of Natural Sciences• Jackson School of Geosciences

URGENCY VISION SUCCESS VALUE DISTINCTION

Ensuring our water future while avoiding limitations on our energy choices.

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The Water / Energy Nexus