ETA 2021 Strategic Plan - Flipbook - Page 67
Leveraging the Water–Energy Nexus to
Support Our Energy Future
Technological hurdles currently limit the ability
of the water and energy sectors to operate
interactively. Control systems and algorithms
that can process electric grid signals and
water requirements in real time could have
cross-sector potential to modulate pumping
loads to benefit the electric grid. To increase
participation of water loads in demand response
programs, it is necessary to develop algorithms
and associated control systems and sensors,
and to identify applications. Modulating energy
intensive water treatment in accordance with
electric grid needs would help mitigate energyrelated costs associated with widespread
desalination adoption. Improved understanding
of the energy loss modes associated with partial
load operations of desalination facilities, design
of treatment plants that can store water, and
identifying where and how improvements are
needed in current desalination operations would
facilitate the adoption of alternate water sources
and provide grid support.
Water’s potential to serve as a thermal storage
medium also can play a role in our energy
transition, particularly when matched with the
right application. Its thermal heat capacity (both
sensible and latent) is among the highest of
natural materials, but its adoption is limited by
its physical requirements. Understanding our
water-based thermal loads, where we waste
this thermal energy, and how we can utilize
it elsewhere both spatially and temporally,
would lower thermal energy demands and help
decarbonize our end-use sectors.
Within the water/wastewater sector itself,
decarbonization will be challenged, as the
energy intensity of the sector stands to increase.
Utilization of alternate water supplies and
increasing wastewater treatment requirements
stand to increase the energy demands of these
processes. We can better understand minimum
energy requirements and the energy-efficiency
opportunity of new treatment technologies
and systems through improved theoretical
understanding of the energy requirements
for water and wastewater treatment and the
development of physics and chemistry-based
energy models for contaminant removal.
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