The Water - Energy Nexus in the American West

About this book

The nexus between water and energy raises a set of public policy questions that go far beyond water and energy. Economic vitality and management of scarce and precious resources are at stake. The Water - Energy Nexus in the American West contributes to the body of knowledge and understanding regarding water, energy, and the links between the two in the American West and beyond.

The research and analyses presented by the authors shed new light on the choices that must be made in order to avoid unnecessary harm in the development and management of water and energy systems to meet public needs in an ever changing environmental and economic climate. Indeed, The Water - Energy Nexus in the American West shows, thoughtfully designed new technologies and approaches can help restore damaged environments and provide a range of benefits. The focus is the American West, but many of the lessons are global in their applicability. After a broad, stage-setting introductory section, The Water - Energy Nexus in the American West looks first at the use of water for energy production and then follows with chapters on the role of energy in water projects. The final section looks at the way forward, providing cases and recommendations for better, more efficient linkages in the water–energy nexus.

Students and researchers in economics, public policy, environmental studies and law along with planners and policymakers will find this accessible and very current volume invaluable.

Contents

Preface

PART I: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
1. The Water - Energy Nexus: Methodologies, Challenges and Opportunities Robert Wilkinson
2. Energy, Water and the Natural Environment Melinda Kassen and Jack E. Williams

PART IIa: WATER FOR ENERGY Fossil Fuels
3. The Coal Conundrum Kristen Averyt
4. Oil Shale and Water Bart Miller
5. Managing Produced Water from Coalbed Methane Production Lawrence J. MacDonnell and Katherine L. Guerra

PART IIb: WATER FOR ENERGY Water-Intensive Renewables
6. Concentrated Thermal Solar Power and the Value of Water for Electricity Cynthia L. Schwartz
7. The New Generation of Biofuels Ronald C. Pate

PART IIIc: ENERGY FOR WATER Big Projects
8. Water - Energy Interdependencies and the Central Arizona Project Susanna Eden, Christopher A. Scott, Melissa L. Lamberton and Sharon B. Megdal
9. Energy-Intensive Water Supplies Stacy Tellinghuisen
10. The Energy Implications of Desalination Heather Cooley

PART IIIb: ENERGY FOR WATER Select State Case Studies
11. Energy Requirements for Water Supply in Utah Sarah G. Larsen and Steven J. Burian
12. The Vital Role of Electrical Energy for Arizona Water Services Joseph H. Hoover

PART IV: SOLUTIONS: EXAMPLES OF WAYS FORWARD
13. Adaptive Management as a Tool for Negotiating the Water - Energy Nexus Melinda Harm Benson
14. Decision-Support for the Water - Energy Nexus: Examining Decision-making in the American West Steve A. Conrad
15. Integrated Planning: Transmission, Generation and Water in the Western States Tom Iseman and Alex Schroeder
16. The Water Bargain of Solar and Wind Energy Martin J. Pasqualetti
17. Water - Energy Integration in California Frances Spivy-Weber

Index

Customer Reviews