The Southern States Energy Board and the University of Tennessee continue to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory on water for energy research. Energy security and diversity concerns have factored into SSEB’s assessment of the energy-water interface. Emphasis is placed on regional efforts to deploy clean coal technologies, such as gasification, and the associated water needs of these technologies. Water use and water supply concerns exist within the region and will impact energy facility development along with recreational use, industrial and domestic consumption and agricultural practices. Finding suitable locations for new power plants and industrial facilities that require water and energy is a challenge for SSEB member states.

The objectives of the water for energy program include assisting scientists, engineers and decision-makers to acquire and disseminate useful water data; promoting regional water conservation and end-use efficiency by public and private users; and educating decision-makers and the public on regional water issues. Technology development and policy solutions must balance the water needs of the energy industry with other industrial, commercial and residential requirements. At the same time, we must protect the aquatic environment and continue to provide quality recreational opportunities within waters of the southern region.