Events Calendar

Ph.D. Dissertation

Speaker: Angineh Zohrabian, Ph.D. Candidate, Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Talk Title: Evaluating the Role of the Water Energy Nexus in California Decarbonizing Power Sector

Abstract: In recent years, climate change mitigation and adaptation policies have been pursued by local and regional governments in efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and make infrastructure systems more resilient to extreme climactic events. The dependencies between water and energy systems create both challenges and opportunities for the successful implementation of these policies, as mitigation strategies tend to target energy systems, while adaptation strategies are often tied to water resource management. This dissertation addresses the energy water nexus in California, which provides an interesting case study since the state has ambitious electricity grid decarbonization goals, one of the most energy intensive water supplies in the world, and large vulnerabilities to climatic stresses such as drought and extreme heat. This collection of studies highlight how the water energy nexus itself is changing as a result of environmental policy actions and how strategically leveraging the nexus can accelerate progress on broader sustainability outcomes. The findings emphasize that while climate change and environmental policies can improve or exacerbate existing tensions across critical infrastructure systems, carefully coordinating energy and water management through holistic planning can help minimize the potential conflicts and maximize the potential benefits of energy water nexus relationships.

Location: https://usc.zoom.us/j/99600044746, Meeting ID: 996 0004 4746, Passcode: USCS3

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes