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53 Nat. Resources J. 117 (2013)
Coherence between Water and Energy Policies

handle is hein.journals/narj53 and id is 125 raw text is: CAREY W. KING, ASHLYNN S. STILLWELL, KELLY M. TWOMEY & MICHAEL E. WEBBER* Coherence Between Water and Energy Policies ABSTRACT The global nexus between energy and water introduces cross- sectoral vulnerabilities whereby water problems can become energy problems and vice versa. This creates cross-cutting opportunities where solutions for one sector might also be good for the other. How- ever, the tradeoffs between prospective technical and policy solutions are not obvious. To address that challenge, this article presents a novel framework for analyzing coherence in technologies and policies at the energy-water nexus. Challenges are laid out, examples of mixes of technology and policies that can meet political objectives relevant to the energy-water nexus are given, gaps that inhibit fu- ture policy development are identified, and key findings are dis- cussed. The analysis is presented through data specific to the United States along with afew case studies from other countries for illustra- tion, but the framework is relevant to policymakers and decision makers globally. The article covers technical and environmental is- sues linking water and energy in electricity generation, liquid fuels production, and freshwater and wastewater treatment. It also ex- plores the tradeoffs between specific technologies and policies rele- vant to the energy-water nexus. Some policies and technologies present solutions that achieve water and energy security, while others do not. Institutional reforms that could help water and energy policy to be more coherent, robust, and sustainable in the future are identified, and case studies from different countries are included to broaden the discussion. Finally, the article concludes by discussing emerging issues and information gaps in the energy-water nexus. I. INTRODUCTION The nexus between water and energy is important and pervasive. At the same time, constraints on energy and water resources are forcing difficult policy choices. Humans are depleting fossil energy resources * Carey W. King, Ph.D. (corresponding author) is a Research Associate at The University of Texas at Austin's Center for International Energy & Environmental Policy; Ashlynn S. Stillwell and Kelly M. Twomey are Graduate Research Assistants in The University of Texas at Austin's Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering; Michael E. Webber, Ph.D. (corresponding author) is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Josey Centennial Fellow in Energy Resources, Associate Director of the Center for International Energy & Environmental Policy and Co-Director of the Clean Energy Incubator at The University of Texas at Austin. 117

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