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Innovations for Existing Plants
 Water - Energy Interface
   

Water and energy are inextricably linked.  Because thermoelectric generation and fossil fuel extraction can impact water resources, it is critically important to protect U.S. water supplies while providing the energy needed to power the nation into the 21st century. Through integrated water and energy-related activities, the Department of Energy/National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE/NETL) Water-Energy Interface is responding to this challenge through the development and application of advanced technologies and supporting science.

   

On July 29, 2008, DOE announced the selection of 10 projects under Funding Opportunity Announcement
DE-PS26-08NT00233 entitled "Research and Development of Advanced Technologies and Concepts for Minimization of Freshwater Withdrawal and Consumption in Coal-Based Thermoelectric Power Plants." 
Project awards are anticipated to be made later this year.
   
   
Baseline and Projected Water Demand Data for Energy and Competing Water Use Sectors - Dec 2008 [PDF-2.3MB]
An analysis has been completed on the amount of water consumed currently in the US and projected to 2030. Water consumption in 2005 was about 114 billion gallons per day (bgd) and is projected to rise to 136 bgd in 2030—an increase of nearly 20% over the 25-year period. Most of the consumption (averaging 79% over the projection period) is for irrigation. This does not include energy crop irrigation, which is reported in the energy sector. After irrigation, the next highest—and fastest growing—water-consuming sector over the period is the energy-production sector. Water consumption for energy production is projected to nearly triple over the projection period—from about 12 bgd in 2005 to about 31 bgd in 2030.
   
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