Understanding the interdependence of water and energy.

1. The Water – Energy Nexus:
A Marriage of Convenience
By:
Charles Chindove
November 11, 2016

2. The Concept
Water Systems Energy Needs
Energy Systems Water Needs
Vulnerability of Energy to Water Constraints
Concluding Remarks
The Water – Energy Nexus:
A Marriage of Convenience

3. Water – Energy Nexus
The relationship between the water used for energy production
(primary energy and electricity production) and energy consumed
to extract, purify, deliver, heat/cool and dispose of water
All forms of energy production consumes water directly or Indirectly
and
Energy is needed access to water and make it usable
The Water – Energy Nexus:
A Marriage of Convenience

4. Water Systems Energy Needs
Source: International Energy Agency

5. Source: United States Department of Energy (DOE)
Energy Systems Water Needs

6. The vulnerability of energy to water constraints
India (2012): Delayed Monsoon - Blackouts lasting several days and affecting over
600 million people.
China (2011): Drought limited hydro generation along the Yangtze river resulting in
electricity rationing.
Vietnam and Philippines (2010): The El Niño weather phenomenon caused a
drought - reducing hydro generation and causing electricity shortages.
Southeast United States (2007): During a drought, the Tennessee Valley Authority
curtailed hydro generation to conserve water and reduced output from nuclear and
fossil fuel-based plants.
Midwest United States (2006): A heat wave forced nuclear plants to reduce their
output because of the high water temperature of the Mississippi River.
France (2003): An extended heat wave forced Électricité de France (EDF) to
curtail nuclear power output equivalent to the loss of 4-5 reactors, costing an
estimated €300 million to import electricity.
China (2008): Dozens of planned coal-to-liquids (CTL) projects were abandoned,
due in part to concerns they would place heavy burdens on scare water resources.
Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, France, U.S: Public concern about the potential
environmental impacts of unconventional gas production (including on water) has
prompted additional regulation and, in some jurisdictions, temporary moratoria or
bans on hydraulic fracturing (IEA 2012).

7. Concluding Remarks
Water Energy Nexus trade-offs
Biofuels vrs. Water Security.
Electric Cars vrs. Water Security.
Current situation on Alternative Energy Subsidies – Impact of low oil
and gas prices on alternative energy development.

8. References:
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