Regional Energy and Water Resilience Strategies for Critical Thermoelectric Power Generation and Data Center Technologies

This white paper discusses strategies for improving water management in thermoelectric power plants and data centers by focusing on the reclamation and management of cooling water. The primary goal is to efficiently close the water cycle by processing discharged cooling water to recover valuable minerals, which can reduce capital costs for energy generators and data centers while enabling operations in water-stressed areas of the U.S.

Data centers and power plants often rely on municipal wastewater, which, when recirculated for cooling, becomes a concentrated discharge that poses challenges for treatment and disposal. The increasing demand for energy, particularly from expanding data centers, highlights the need for innovative solutions to manage water resources effectively. Proposed solutions include (1) brine concentration and mineral recovery and (2) integrated energy systems optimization.

Success will be defined by the development of profitable methods to reclaim water and minerals that would otherwise be lost through discharge. Implementing integrated water and mineral reclamation strategies and demonstrating their effectiveness will be crucial for adoption. The concept would aim to ensure reliable power generation and support the growing demand for critical minerals, ultimately contributing to U.S. energy security and sustainable practices in water-scarce regions.