Crafting Integrated Solutions to Minimize Energy and Water Consumption

Energy and water are like dance partners in a complex ballet, each intricately linked to the other. On the global stage, the greatest demand for water is for electric power generation, while the most energy-intensive sector is the extraction, treatment, and distribution of water.

The interdependence of these resources is known as the energy-water nexus, and it is increasingly important from a sustainability perspective, given rising worldwide demands for both energy and water.

COMMENTARY

Here are some examples illustrating the sustainability impacts of the energy-water nexus:

• Data centers: Imagine data centers as bustling cities of computer equipment with each one a skyscraper generating heat as it processes information. To cool the cities, large amounts of water flow through the streets like rivers to keep the servers from overheating. One study found that a simple conversation with ChatGPT uses a standard-sized water bottle (16.9 ounces / 500 mL) worth of water.
• Hydraulic fracturing: Fracking requires torrents of water to crack open underground shale rock formations, releasing deposits of oil and natural gas trapped inside. Once the oil and natural gas are freed, energy must be harnessed to recover, treat, and reuse this water.
• Solar panels and wind turbines: While these renewable energy sources don’t use water and energy during operation, large quantities of energy and water are essential to produce and manufacture these systems.

For many years, the interdependence between energy and water wasn’t well understood. Energy and water issues were tackled mainly on a regional or technology-specific basis, with each resource independently developed, managed, and regulated. Data has become increasingly available on electricity sources and uses, while the data on water has been limited to local information. Recently the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s (DOE) Pacific Northwest National Lab has published comprehensive data on water sources and uses.

Now, however, the spotlight is shifting, revealing these two resources’ close ties. As concerns grow over the availability of freshwater supplies, climate impacts, local regulations, and the need for greater energy efficiency, the world now views these resources as being mutually dependent.

A systematic approach to plan and operate power and water infrastructure in an integrated fashion will lead to better outcomes for both.

IEEE Energy and Water Nexus Industry Connection

Since its start in August 2024, IEEE Standards Association’s (IEEE SA) Energy and Water Nexus Industry Connections project has worked to evaluate and develop such integrated approaches. Stakeholders within the IC work to identify and prioritize opportunities that can greatly reduce the use of energy and water worldwide.

More than 30 organizations have joined forces in this ambitious project, forming a diverse coalition that includes water consortia, equipment manufacturers, consulting engineers, national labs, and universities. This collaborative effort features notable participants such as the Idaho National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the University of Wisconsin School of Freshwater Science.

Current focus areas include:

• Exploring gaps and opportunities revealed by the latest water flow data published by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
• Investigating strategies to enhance water flow and energy consumption by water utilities.
• Pinpointing gaps in standards related to energy and water.
• Driving initiatives to boost energy and water efficiency across industries.

The IEEE SA Energy and Water Nexus IC project leverages a groundbreaking data set published in 2014 by the DOE. For the first time, this data shows the complex relationship between water consumption and energy production down to state and county levels across the U.S. This was a significant breakthrough, as acquiring water data has been challenging due to regional differences in water supplies and usage, drought impacts, and the fragmented nature of the U.S. water-supply industry. Additionally, water data requires extensive analysis to be comparable across different technologies and business sectors.

Participants in the IEEE SA Energy and Water Nexus IC project also build upon other IEEE initiatives, including collaboration with an IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) task force. A 2023 paper published by PES, titled “Integrated Water and Power Systems: Current State and Research Roadmap,” serves as a blueprint for future integrated water-power system studies, and a vehicle for increasing awareness and understanding of the energy-water nexus. Energy and Water Nexus participants also engage in outreach to interested parties at industry conferences such as RE+, to further disseminate their findings and foster collaboration.

How to Get Involved

IEEE SA Industry Connections activities are vibrant and collaborative communities where stakeholders come together to propel rapidly developing areas of interest. Members delve into needs and opportunities for new standards-development projects, producing a variety of outputs such as presentations, white papers, webinars, workshops and other standards-related material.

If you are part of a sustainability-focused organization, a freshwater community, an electric utility, or another relevant organization, and are eager to contribute your expertise to this vital work, please join us. Participants in the Energy Water Nexus IC project convene virtually about once a month, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and progress.

—Mark Siira is Chair of IEEE SA Standards Committee 21 (SCC 21) for Smart Grid Interoperability and Interconnection, and Chair of the Energy Water Nexus Industry Connections project.