Report highlights energy-water-carbon nexus challenges and opportunities

May 4, 2022 3:02 pm Published by

A new report synthesizes key findings from expert-led discussions on how water can support or influence strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Hosted by Sandia, the April 2022 “What is Water’s Role in a Carbon Neutral Future?” webinar series featured nine presentations in the areas of energy, industrial decarbonization, and carbon management.

The series explored the key dynamics and nuances of water use within and across each of those areas.

Cultivation of algal biomass as a fossil fuel replacement, for example, could take advantage of more diverse water sources than other alternatives. Additionally, algal and soil carbon farming methods could provide multiple ecosystem services and act as a net carbon sink.

The discussions also resulted in identifying the need for a data-driven systems approach to thinking about water’s role in supporting a carbon-neutral future. Such a perspective could enable water resources to be more effectively incorporated in this transition, while also supporting the related goals of resilience and justice.

Sandia’s Thushara Gunda, Stephen Ferencz, Priya Hora, Stephanie Kuzio, and Kailey Wulfert authored the report. Participating series speakers and moderators included:

WATER USES – Direct (solid) and indirect (dashed) uses of water for carbon neural activities. 
  • Saleem Ali, University of Delaware
  • Amishi Claros, Department of Energy
  • Ryan Davis, Sandia National Laboratories
  • Leah Dundon, Vanderbilt University
  • Peter Fiske, National Alliance for Water Innovation
  • Emily Grubert, Department of Energy
  • Juliet Homer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
  • Alex Kizer, Energy Futures Initiative
  • Martina Leveni, Ohio State University
  • Sabbie Miller, University of California at Davis
  • Umakant Mishra, Sandia National Laboratories
  • Jessica Rimsza, Sandia National Laboratories
  • Ellen Stechel, Arizona State University
  • Jennifer Wilcox, Department of Energy

Read the complete report or watch the recorded sessions.

Learn more about Sandia’s Energy and Water program.

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