Understanding the relationship between water, energy, and electricity generation is vital for making important decisions. The energy sources we use to power our homes are constantly evolving, especially today in the midst of an energy transition. Decision makers must take water resource supply and demand into consideration to ensure we will not face water scarcity in the future.
Design Challenge
This design challenge will allow you to take the opportunity to work through these challenges and important decisions on your own! In Part 1 of the Design Challenge, you will be asked to work through an activity sheet that calculates how much water Texas uses annually1based on 2020 ERCOT numbers for electricity generation. Next, you will envision a fuel mix based on proposed market demand drivers that favor natural gas, wind, and nuclear. You will go through the same calculations to determine projected water use based on this anticipated scenario.
To begin, click on the button below and walk through the activity sheet to complete Part 1 of the Design Challenge. After you finish working with the activity sheet, complete the review questions below to assess your learning.
Tables A and B Review Questions
Table A: What energy source contributes to the highest percentage of electricity generation?
Natural Gas
Correct
Solar (PV)
Incorrect
Wind
Incorrect
Table A: What energy source contributes to the lowest percentage of electricity generation?
Natural Gas
Incorrect
Solar (PV)
Correct
Wind
Incorrect
Table B: What energy source is the most water intensive?
Coal
Incorrect
Nuclear
Correct
Wind
Incorrect
Table B: What energy source is the least water intensive?
Natural Gas
Incorrect
Solar (PV)
Incorrect
Wind
Correct
Tables C and D Review Questions
True or False: This proposed mix of energy sources for power generation is less water intensive than the mix for 2021?
True
Correct
This mix of sources for electricity generation is only slightly less water intensive because the increase in nuclear (+2%), a very water intensive energy source, serves to offset the water savings from a decrease in coal (-10%).