The summer 2021 edition of the Water-Energy Nexus Newsletter is filled with updates concerning NETL’s ongoing water-energy research and related activities.

The newsletter highlights the Lab’s recent virtual Water Management Research and Development (R&D) review meeting, which focused on the progress being made on cooperative research and technology developments to reduce water use in energy production. A portfolio of in-house and extramural research projects was discussed, including a presentation by NETL’s Tim Skone and Erik Schuster on the impact of water use from power systems. The review meeting was attended by scientists, engineers and researchers from academia, industry, and the public working in the water-energy space.

This edition also shares information on NETL’s continued role in the development of ProteusLib, an open-source library of water treatment models built on NETL’s Institute for the Design of Advanced Energy Systems (IDAES) integrated platform. The new capabilities of ProteusLib will support the design and optimization of integrated water treatment systems and enable the analysis of innovative new designs that incorporate emerging technologies. Download the newsletter to learn about recent modeling additions to ProteusLib.

Also highlighted was participation from NETL Research Partnerships and Tech Transfer Team’s Thomas Feeley in a series of virtual engagement meetings in April and May to strengthen a regional network of private and public sector organizations. The organizations collaborate on water quality, quantity, access, and affordability issues in southwestern Pennsylvania. Feeley presented NETL’s efforts to treat and recover rare earth elements and critical minerals from acid mine drainage as an approach to addressing national security concerns relating to the network of remediating legacy environmental issues.

This issue’s Researcher Spotlight section focuses on Erik Schuster, an environmental engineering researcher on NETL’s Energy Markets Analysis Team. Shuster supports the NETL Crosscutting Technologies division through modeling and forecasting of water demand and use by the power sector. This includes development of a water-demand forecasting module for the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS).

Additionally, the newsletter provides useful information on upcoming conferences and events for water-related issues. Events on the horizon include the Water Expo (Aug. 25-26), the Groundwater Protection Council 2021 annual forum (Sept. 26-29) and more.

Check out the new edition of Water-Energy Nexus Newsletter today!