Africa Water, Sanitation & Hygiene September - October 2016 Vol. 11 No.4 | Page 29

Clean Energy

Yet this estimate does not consider the state’s evolving
energy reality: Texas has ramped-up clean energy in the
past few years, and this trend will likely continue. That
evolution matters, because energy efficiency, solar PV, and
wind use virtually no water to create electricity, compared
with thirsty coal, nuclear and natural gas. In short, the
water intensity of the state’s generation mix is decreasing.
By how much? Well, based on energy data from Texas’
main grid operator, the water agency’s forecast for Texas’
power-related water needs in 2030 exceeds the future
reality by nearly 40 percent. That’s good news, in theory,
but such gross overestimation of the power sector’s future
water needs means the state lacks a comprehensive, clear
picture of its own demand.
And it could push even further. A robust nexus approach
in the State Water Plan could enable both energy and
water savings statewide. California’s Energy Commission
found that water conservation could save as much energy
as efficiency programmes at investor-owned electric
utilities–but at half the cost. Coordination between the
two sectors could also save water directly and indirectly
through energy efficiency.
Texas is only a microcosm of challenges arising around
the globe. Many countries and regions struggle with
competing demands for energy and water. Failure to take
both into account at once skips a golden opportunity to
improve water supply and demand projections, while also
advancing clean energy and climate goals.
Right now, more than 30 million people in eastern
and southern Africa are suffering the worst drought in
decades. Not only does the lack of water impair local
food production (another nexus). It also curtails electricity

access or reliability, as many
rely heavily on fossil fuel or
hydropower.
South Africa is in the throes
of the worst drought in
a century, made worse by
thirsty energy production.
The country’s electric grid
depends 72 percent on coal,
followed by nuclear and
hydropower. Yet renewable
energy is growing fast in South
Africa, and the mobile nature
of some technologies–like
solar panels– further enhances
access to electricity in more
remote areas. The country has
committed itself to expand
renewables throughout its
future energy mix. The original
goal may have been to cut
carbon emissions, but a happy parallel consequence is to
cut electricity’s thirst. That decrease must be accounted for
in water planning.
The South African example is, like that in Texas, globally
relevant for every country that signed the Paris climate
agreement and adopted the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). Among the SDGs are commitments to
address climate, energy, water, and food.
Official projections should use the best available data and
methods. That way, wild swings in weather (which we can’t
control) don’t translate to wild swings in water supplies
(which we can). Incorporating a more comprehensive
energy-water understanding into policy can help guarantee
reliable, plentiful water for communities and industries for
years to come.
Thr