Energy-water interdependencies across the three major United States electric grids: A multi-sectoral analysis

Abstract

As climate change impacts become increasingly severe, it is critical to have a comprehensive understanding of interactions between climate, energy, and water. Previous energy-water nexus studies have focused primarily on specific dependencies, such as water for thermoelectric cooling, rather than the potential for cascading impacts of supply disruptions at broader scales. This paper explores relative energy-water interdependencies across multiple sectors at the scale of the three primary electricity interconnections within the United States. Our results indicate the need for and potential benefits of integrated policy, planning, and management of energy and water resources based on an interdependent systems perspective.