Energy and water are closely linked and mutually dependent resources. On a worldwide basis, the largest category for water consumption is electric power generation, while the largest demand for electricity is water extraction, treatment, and distribution.
This reciprocal linkage is called the energy-water nexus, and it is of growing importance from a sustainability viewpoint, given increased worldwide demands for both energy and water.
Here are a few examples showing some of the sustainability impacts of the energy-water nexus:
- Data centers: The enormous energy requirements of data centers have been well publicized, but they also consume great quantities of water. That’s because their servers heat up as they operate, and water is used to cool them. One study estimated that a simple conversation with ChatGPT uses as much water as there is in a standard-sized water bottle (16.9 ounces / 500 mL).
- Hydraulic fracking: In the practice known as fracking, large quantities of water are injected into cracks in shale formations to force them open, to release trapped oil and natural gas. But energy then must be used to recover, treat, and reuse this water.
- Solar panels and wind turbines: Because these renewable resources don’t use water and energy during operation, it might be assumed they aren’t associated with the energy-water nexus. However, large quantities of both resources are needed to produce the materials these systems are built from in the first place, and to manufacture them.
Until recent years, the interdependence between energy and water has not been widely appreciated or understood. Energy and water issues have been addressed mainly on a regional or technology-specific basis, with each resource independently developed, managed, and regulated.
Now, however, they are increasingly being seen through the lens of their mutually dependent relationship, given heightened concerns over the availability of adequate freshwater supplies, environmental impacts, local regulations, and the need for greater energy efficiency.
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
IEEE Standards Association’s (IEEE SA’s) Energy and Water Nexus Industry Connections project, which began in August 2024, works to evaluate and develop such integrated approaches. Stakeholders within the IC work to identify and prioritize opportunities that can significantly reduce the use of energy and water worldwide.
More than 30 organizations, including a range of water consortia, equipment manufacturers, consulting engineers, national labs, and universities, are currently involved with the project. Some examples include the Idaho National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the University of Wisconsin School of Freshwater Science.
Current focus areas include:
- Understanding gaps and opportunities based on recent water flow data published by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Researching actions taken to optimize water flows and energy consumption by water utilities
- Identifying gaps in standards associated with energy and water
- Efforts to increase energy efficiency and water efficiency in industry
The IEEE SA Energy and Water Nexus IC project makes use of a landmark data set published in 2014 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). For the first time, it shows the relationship between water consumption and energy production down to state and county levels, across the United States. This was a major development, as water data has been difficult to acquire given the many regional differences in water supplies and use, drought impacts, and the fragmented U.S. water-supply industry. Water data also requires significant analysis to be comparable by technology and business sector.
Participants in the IEEE SA Energy and Water Nexus IC project also build upon other IEEE work, including collaboration with an IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) task force. A 2023 paper published by PES, Integrated Water and Power Systems: Current State and Research Roadmap, is 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 conduct outreach to interested parties at industry conferences (such as RE+).
How to Get Involved
IEEE SA Industry Connections activities are collaborative communities of stakeholders formed to move a rapidly developing area of interest forward. Members explore needs and opportunities for new standards-development projects, and produce related outputs such as presentations, white papers, webinars, workshops and other standards-related outputs.
If you are associated with a sustainability-focused organization, a freshwater community, an electric utility or other relevant organization, and have the desire to lend your expertise to this important work, please express your interest by filling out the Energy and Water Nexus interest form. Energy Water Nexus IC project participants meet virtually approximately once a month.
Author: Mark Siira – 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
