Water and energy are interdependent – water is used extensively in energy development as cooling water in thermoelectric power generation; in oil and alternative transportation fuels refining, and in biofuels production. At the same time, water and waste water pumping, treatment, and distribution is one of the largest energy use sectors in many developed countries. At a time when fresh water availability is becoming limited in many regions due to changing precipitation patterns, increased ecological and environmental demands for water, and issues over sustainable surface and groundwater withdrawal and use, water consumption demands by the energy sector could expand significantly in the next two decades. The emerging water needs for the energy sector and the emerging energy needs for the water sector could significantly change how these two critical natural resources are developed and utilized. This presentation will provide an overview of potential water resource management issues related to emerging trends in energy resource mining and extraction including oil and gas development, produced water, and fracking and their importance relative to other energy and water issues and challenges . The presentation will also highlight related challenges and opportunities for the application, utilization, or treatment of non-traditional water resources to reduce or mitigate fresh water demands in energy extraction and mining

Energy water nexus and water implications of energy extraction and mining

251st National Meeting (2016)

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