(199c) The Role of Waste Streams in the Energy-Water Nexus

The energy-water nexus has helped focus attention on the water used for energy production and energy used in providing water services. However, there has been a lack of attention to the downstream aspects of this nexus; that is, impacts of related waste streams on land, water and air. Primary technology choices (e.g., electricity generation technology, drinking water source) result in differing waste streams which in turn require decisions on the level of treatment and disposition of the related waste products. Each of these choices have related implications for energy use, water use, environmental impact and system vulnerability (e.g., power plant thermal discharge puts operations at risk to drought). Remarks in this panel will endeavor to establish a framework and context for a more holistic treatment of waste streams within the broader energy-water nexus.