Wilkinson, Robert --- "The Water–Energy Nexus: Methodologies, Challenges and Opportunities" [2011] ELECD 1020; in Kenney, S. Douglas; Wilkinson, Robert (eds), "The Water–Energy Nexus in the American West" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2011)

Book Title: The Water–Energy Nexus in the American West

Editor(s): Kenney, S. Douglas; Wilkinson, Robert

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781849809368

Section: Chapter 1

Section Title: The Water–Energy Nexus: Methodologies, Challenges and Opportunities

Author(s): Wilkinson, Robert

Number of pages: 15

Extract:

1. The water­energy nexus:
methodologies, challenges and
opportunities
Robert Wilkinson

1.1. INTRODUCTION

Energy systems account for the largest water use in the United States
(Kenny et al., 2009), and water systems are among the largest users of
energy in key regions (California Energy Commission [CEC], 2005). These
facts have led many, including me, to make statements about the `inextri-
cable' nexus between water and energy. In fact, the link is not inextricable.
At a minimum, we have opportunities to substantially decouple water and
energy in ways that can improve resilience and economic performance,
and improve environmental quality, social equity and security.
This opening chapter will explore the basic relationship of water and
energy systems, and it will outline methodologies employed by water
and energy managers who are dealing with policy and decision-making
in various realms. In addition to setting out the basics, it argues that
important opportunities are available to improve both water and energy
management in ways that can provide multiple benefits to society.


1.2. THE WATER AND ENERGY CONTEXT

Water use for urban and agricultural purposes has been facilitated through
extraction or diversion of surface and groundwater sources. Energy ser-
vices have been provided by conversion of `primary' forms of energy (for
example coal, oil, gas, wood, wind, sunlight, uranium, etc.) to intermedi-
ate forms (for example electricity, liquid fuels, etc.) and ultimately to ser-
vices we desire like mobility, temperature control and so forth.
Both water and energy are often transported over long ...