摘要：Understanding the nexus between energy and water – water used for energy and energy usedfor water – has become increasing important in a changing world. As growing populations demand moreenergy supplies and water resources, research aims to analyze the interconnectedness of these two resources.Our study sought to quantify the energy-water relationship in Texas, specifically the relationship betweenelectricity generation and water resources as it pertains to policy and society. We examined the waterrequirements for various types of electricity generating facilities, for typical systems both nationwide andin Texas. We also addressed the energy requirements of water supply and wastewater treatment systems,comparing national averages with Texas-specific values. Analysis of available data for Texas reveals thatapproximately 595,000 megaliters of water annually – enough water for over three million people for ayear – are consumed by cooling the state's thermoelectric power plants while generating approximately400 terawatt-hours of electricity. At the same time, each year Texas uses an estimated 2.1 to 2.7 terawatt-hours of electricity for water systems and 1.8 to 2.0 terawatt-hours for wastewater systems – enoughelectricity for about 100,000 people for a year. In preparing our analysis, it became clear that substantiallymore site-specific data are necessary for a full understanding of the nature of the energy-water nexus andthe sustainability of economic growth in Texas. We recommend that Texas increase efforts to collectaccurate data on the withdrawal and consumption of cooling and process water at power plants, as well asdata on electricity consumption for public water supply and wastewater treatment plants and distributionsystems. The overarching conclusion of our work is that increased efficiency advances the sustainable useof both energy and water. Improving water efficiency will reduce power demand, and improving energyefficiency will reduce water demand. Greater efficiency in usage of either energy or water will help stretchour finite supplies of both, as well as reduce costs to water and power consumers
