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Water-Energy Nexus: Addressing Simultaneous Challenges for Sustainable Solutions

The Water-Energy Nexus presents a crucial challenge in balancing water and energy needs worldwide. This article explores innovative solutions and technologies to address this complex interconnection. From reducing energy demands in water treatment to enhancing water reuse practices, it delves into the importance of aligning strategies for efficient resource management. Through advancements in membrane technology, renewable energy integration, and wastewater treatment, the Nexus can be tackled effectively. The article also highlights the necessity of policy shifts and national initiatives to promote sustainable practices. Join the journey towards a more sustainable future by unlocking the potential of the Water-Energy Nexus.

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Water-Energy Nexus: Addressing Simultaneous Challenges for Sustainable Solutions

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  1. The Water:Energy Nexus Simultaneous solutions or dual disasters? Jeff Fulgham Chief Sustainability Officer GE Power & Water

  2. 62.2 Billions of kW hours (In billion cubic meters) 2x Electricity 3x Water 50.2 40,000 Emerging 35,000 Developed 30,000 19.9 *at same consumption rate 20 25,000 20,000 15 15,000 10 10,000 5 5,000 0 0 2008 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 U.S. Spain Brazil India Russia Algeria Korea France China Japan SA Global 2030 needs

  3. Water:Energy Nexus REDUCE before we PRODUCE Both challenges must be addressed together

  4. Nexus #1: 6-19% of a city’s energy demand used to produce, treat & transport water ENERGY WATER

  5. Solution #1: Distributed water & power… right mix, right place, right price WATER ENERGY

  6. Green building

  7. Distributed solutions

  8. Nexus #2: Higher technology to treat impaired water requires higher energy demand ENERGY WATER Membrane Other O&M* ~33% Capital ~33% Energy ~33% Thermal (MED) Other 24% Capital 31% Energy 45% * Membrane replacement, Chemicals, Labor, Maintenance

  9. 1.25 Cost of Desalination 1.00 0.75 Cost of Water $/m3 Cost Water Reuse 0.50 Cost of ‘Traditional’ Water Supply 0.25 2010 1996 Solution #2: Joint technology development driving energy and cost out WATER ENERGY The cost of desalination with GE membranes has fallen by more than 80% in the last two decades

  10. Opportunity #2: Technology development driving energy and cost out $$ SHORT TERM • High-Flux Membrane Systems • Chem/Membrane/Equip Integration • Advanced Pretreatment • Next-Generation Electrical Processes • Nano technologies • Solar & Low Grade Heat Integration LONG TERM • High-Efficiency Membrane Materials • SWRO-PRO/RED Integration • Renewable Energy Integration • Nano-tube Active Transport • Additive Particulate Separation • Forward desalinationn 2008 2012 2016 2020

  11. Opportunity #2: Next-gen technologies

  12. Nexus #3: Declining reservoir levels reduce hydro generating capacity ENERGY WATER

  13. Natural Gas Bioenergy Geothermal Hydrogen Solar Hydro Wind Solution #3: Reduce consumption, replenish reservoirs, alternative energy WATER ENERGY Cauley Creek water reuse facility…restoring lake levels by treating municipal wastewater

  14. Sustainable planning

  15. Nexus #4: Power generation requires large quantities of water ENERGY WATER >50% of global industrial water consumption is used to generate power

  16. Water in Align optimum water source with consumption need Source To Use Optimize water & energy consumption in boiler, cooling and fuel systems Process & Utilities Convert waste streams into value & minimize risk Waste To Value Waste out Solution #4: Reduce water consumption per MW produced

  17. Embracing water reuse

  18. Turning waste into value

  19. Nexus #5: Energy exploration & production generates massive wastewater ENERGY WATER

  20. Solution #5: Advanced wastewater solutions reduce losses & enable water reuse WATER ENERGY

  21. Reclaim & reuse

  22. Nexus #6: Emerging market’s huge energy demand creates huge water demand ENERGY WATER

  23. Solution #6: Emerging market’s water and energy challenges can be solved simultaneously WATER ENERGY

  24. High scarcity, low cost … where is the motivation to conserve? Nexus #7 Water pricing & policies provide little incentive for change Renewable water resources per capita Total water + wastewater cost per m3 by country

  25. Solution #7: Shift from price to value

  26. Solution #7: National long-term policy critical China: 100GW Wind by 2020 EU: 20% by 2020 National policies n Renewables n Water Spain: 11% reuse today … 40% by 2015 India: -20 GW Solar by 2022 Saudi Arabia: 11% reuse today …65% by 2016 Israel: 85% reuse today 90% by 2016 Water data source: GWI Renewables data source: REN21 Many countries taking action … US currently stalled

  27. Opportunity #7: Comprehensive approach to water risk

  28. We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. ~Thomas Fuller

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