By Ken Silverstein | EnergyBiz
If water is the new oil and shale gas is the new energy savior, something has to give. That’s because the exploration for the unconventional form of natural gas uses so much water that it is encroaching on society’s other needs.
Not only do utilities consume it. So does big industry and small residential households. Complicating things, the demand for electricity in this country is expected to rise by 1.5 percent over the next 20 years. Governments and businesses alike are now calling for concerted conservation efforts and technological advances.
The debate is having practical implications on both utilities and energy developers. A few years ago, the states of Georgia and Alabama battled over supplies during a severe drought in the southeastern United States: Atlanta’s metropolitan area competes directly with Alabama’s electric generators, manufacturing facilities and farm businesses for the region’s water. And, in Texas, the combination of hot summers and water shortages are pitting farmers against shale-gas developers.
Also: Pro-coal arguments win the day at Denver EPA hearing on CO2 regulations
