The Energy and Water

Collision: 10 Things You

Should Know
Webinar Presentation
December 2010
 About Us
•! Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) has
been a leading advocate for clean, responsible
energy choices that better our communities, our
region and our world for over 25 years.

•! Since its formal inception in 1985, SACE has

grown from a small group of individuals into a
dynamic organization, with five offices across the
Southeast and initiatives at federal, state and
local levels.

•! As we look towards the future, SACE’s

commitment to preserve, restore and protect our
environment through the use of innovative
technology, community outreach, education, and
pioneer policy work remains steadfast.
For more information on Southern Alliance for Clean Energy please visit
www.cleanenergy.org
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John Rogers – jrogers@ucsusa.org
Erika Spanger-Siegfried – esiegfried@ucsusa.org
Union of Concerned Scientists
www.ucsusa.org/energy-water
 Water Use by the
Electricity Sector in Georgia
•! Largest water use sector, followed by
agriculture
•! Thermoelectric plants in Georgia used
more than half, 2737 million gallons per
day (mgd), of the total surface water used
Plant Vogtle in the state (2005)

•! Some is “consumed,” primarily as evaporative loss

during cooling.
•! 187 mgd consumed; 7% of total water withdrawals
Source: http://www.georgiawaterplanning.org/pages/forecasting/energy_water_use.php
 New Power Plant Proposals
Continued Reliance on Water Intensive Energy Choices
•! 3 new coal plants proposed in Georgia
•! LS Power plant in Early County, 1200 MW
•! Plant Washington, 850 MW
•! Ben Hill, 850 MW

•!2 new nuclear reactors proposed in Georgia

•! at existing Plant Vogtle, additional ~2200 MW
•! ~53-83 mgd additional withdrawals from Savannah River
•! 50-75% consumptive loss
 Statewide Water Planning

•! Georgia’s regional water planning process,

mandated by state law in 2008, is nearing the
close of its first planning phase
•! Plan established a Regional Planning Process
and 11 planning regions throughout the state
•! Plan is to help “guide Georgia in managing
water resources in a sustainable manner to
support the state’s economy, to protect public
health and natural systems, and enhance the
quality of life for all citizens”
•! Key element of this planning process is the
assessment of current water use and
forecasted needs
 Energy Forecasting
Serious flaws with energy forecasting exist
•! Only presents high growth, high water use scenarios
–! Business-as-usual approach
–! 1000MW of additional capacity added every year from
2021-2050
•! Overlooks less water intensive energy supply options and
measures to decrease demand
•! Electric utilities are laying claim to Georgia’s water resources,
positioning themselves to be the first, highest and best use of
the water
•! Several power plant scenarios are overlooked/ignored

http://www.georgiawaterplanning.org/pages/forecasting/
energy_water_use.php
 Get Involved with Statewide
Water Planning
•! Regional water councils have until early May 2011
to complete their plans
•! Each council will have several additional
meetings, visit the water planning website
www.georgiawaterplanning.org for details
–! attend these meetings; talk to council
members
•! After initial draft plans are submitted to EPD, there
will be a 45-day public comment period
–! be prepared to offer careful review and
comment on these important documents
•! Contact Sara Barczak at sara@cleanenergy.org
or the Georgia Water Coalition
(www.georgiawater.org) to get involved
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