Present day energy and water systems are highly connected, with many complex interdependencies. Water is essential for energy production, industrial processes, agriculture, and everyday human uses. Conversely, energy is required to extract, convey, and deliver water of appropriate quality for diverse uses, and then again to treat waste waters. For example, generating electricity often requires vast amounts of water for cooling in thermal power plants, and large amounts of wastewater requiring energy-consuming treatment are created through fossil fuel and gas production. At the broadest scale, energy production and consumption affects carbon emissions which in turn affects future climate, the frequency and severity of droughts and floods, and ultimately water resources and availability.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognizes the complex interdependencies between energy and water and is working to address this global challenge at the national level. Efforts seek to improve understanding of complex energy-water processes and systems dynamics, identify vulnerabilities and opportunities to strengthen resilience of the integrated system, offer solutions through new and more efficient technologies and systems designs, and engage with various stakeholders to accelerate transformations.
Water and energy are closely linked, and climate change is making those connections clearer every day. DOE is innovating solutions that make the most of precious water resources and maximize energy efficiency."
The evolving climate, increasing demands for both water and energy, growing and migrating populations within the U.S., changes in land use and land cover, and generally diminishing resources (e.g., groundwater and snowpack), pose compounding stresses and challenges for the energy-water system. Collectively, these and other factors threaten the resiliency and security of the United States' energy grids and water supply systems.
Climate change has major implications for the interconnected energy-water system. As rising temperatures and more extreme weather increase demand for energy and water use, rainfall in some parts of the globe is decreasing while other areas experience floods. DOE is focused on solutions that benefit both sectors. For example, human and natural system modeling and resource recovery from waste streams. Notably, as the nation transitions toward net-zero and clean energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, bioenergy, hydrogen and hydropower) which includes energy storage (including pumped hydro), there are important implications for water use and ecosystems.
It is with these complex dynamics, tradeoffs, and critical interdependencies in mind that DOE is pursuing an integrated and holistic systems perspective and approach. With the goal of sufficient, safe, secure, and affordable water and energy, investments in research, development, demonstration, and deployment are cornerstones of the DOE effort.
The Department of Energy has a major stake and fundamental role to play in advancing the integrated system solutions that will address the nation’s combined energy-water challenges. DOE and its interagency partners aim to create equitable, efficient, affordable, and climate resilient energy and water systems to ensure America’s energy, water, environmental, and economic security.
2023 UN Water Conference
Undersecretary of Science and Innovation Dr. Geraldine Richmond and Assistant Secretary Chief of Staff for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebecca Isacowitz attended the 2023 UN Water Conference, where DOE joined the U.S. government commitment of $49 billion to global water security and sanitation. In addition, Dr. Richmond announced over $200 million in domestic energy-water related funding.
Deputy Undersecretary Dr. Ali Douraghy also hosted DOE's panel event looking at technology and policy solutions for equitable and climate resilient energy-water systems. A summary of the event and a recording are below.
Innovation is a critical component of achieving equitable and climate resilient water and sanitation. The side event, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, focuses on the role of innovation in water security as climate change threatens global access to fresh water. Of particular interest are innovations that allow for use of non-traditional water sources at competitive prices and treated to the level necessary for a given use. This panel highlights U.S. leadership in energy-water innovation and opportunities for international assistance, coordination, and technology sharing.
Video by the U.S. Department of EnergyModerated by DOE Principal Deputy Under Secretary Dr. Ali Douraghy, attendees heard from the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as from the National Alliance for Water Innovation, DOE's desalination hub; The International Desalination Association; and the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation. In line with UN 2023 Water Conference Theme 2—Water for Sustainable Development: Valuing Water, Water-Energy-Food Nexus and Sustainable Economic and Urban Development.
Panelists included:
- Danna Jackson—Senior Counsel to Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, U.S. Department of the Interior
- Dr. Teferi Tsegaye—National Program Leader (Water Availability and Watershed Management), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Services
- Jantje Johnson—Vice President, Board of Directors, International Desalination Association
- Paul Fleming—Board of Directors, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation
- Dr. Peter Fisk—Executive Director, National Alliance for Water Innovation
The Four Corners Student Symposium
The Four Corners Student Symposium was the inauguration of the close collaboration between the U.S. Department of the Interior and DOE in support of the Nexus for Energy-Water Sustainability RD&D authorized under the Energy Act of 2020 Section 1010. This was a unique opportunity for the Department of the Interior and DOE to work with I-WEST and the Navajo Nation to hear regional perspectives on water related needs, concerns, and opportunities as they relate to energy.
DOE wanted to learn about regional projects working to address energy and water security challenges and expand on existing networks for ongoing engagement. The symposium was also an opportunity to engage with youth and support them in their education and professional opportunities.
More information on the student symposium can be found on the I-WEST website.