Wednesday, April 22, 2009: 4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m.
Turquoise I (Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort )
Moderator:
Edwin McGavock
See more of: Topical Sessions
Water/Energy Nexus In the Southwestern United States: Can Desalination Be a Solution?
Both water and energy demands are increasing rapidly in the southwest. Nuclear power production requires large amounts of water. Water demands for coal-fired and solar-thermal power production are also substantial. Power-production requirements are increasingly in conflict with municipal demands. Billions of acre-feet of brackish ground water exist, mostly unused, in the southwest. Can colocation of power and desalination plants be a solution to the conflict? This session discusses the colocation of power and desalination plants; existing or expected water-energy demand conflicts; and potential for brackish ground water desalination.