Water and energy are intricately linked in our society. Shifting demand for power or water can have complicated effects on the other resource. Climate change, population growth, new technologies, such as carbon capture, and a host of other factors require that this issue be addressed by finding solutions to obtain adequate supplies of water and energy. ISWS scientists have taken an integrated approach to examine this dynamic.
Research
In one project, scientists developed a method to establish a baseline of the current water requirements of Illinois power plants and simulate the potential impacts on future water and energy management. These studies showed that technological changes at power plants have implications for the sustainability of water resources.
Another study examined the impact of climate change on the demand for thermoelectric power plants, considering local climate conditions. This research provided valuable insights into how climate change affects both water and energy security, particularly in Illinois. The study highlighted the interconnectedness of water and energy systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding the water-energy nexus to ensure sustainable resource management.
The framework developed in this study can be applied to other regions, providing a versatile tool for examining the water-energy nexus across various contexts. This approach not only enhances our understanding of the regional impacts of climate change but also supports the development of strategies to mitigate these effects and promote resilience in water and energy systems.
Pilot Study
ISWS conducted a front-end engineering and design pilot study, marking one of the first large-scale projects to simultaneously address carbon capture and water supply issues. This initiative took place at the Prairie State Generating Company’s Energy Campus in Marissa, Illinois, where a carbon capture system was developed. ISWS developed and integrated a comprehensive watershed model for hydrologic simulation with climate model outputs to project future water needs for both power generation and carbon capture up to the year 2100.
This approach enabled the team to anticipate and plan for the long-term water requirements associated with these processes. The project also examined potential trade-offs between the water footprint and carbon footprint, aiming to provide clean energy solutions while minimizing adverse impacts on local economies and the water supplies of nearby communities.