Water-Energy Metrics for Hydraulic Fracturing Versus Other Energy Technologies

Abstract:

The combination of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling has transformed energy production but drawn scrutiny for its water demands. Hydraulically fractured wells in the United States require millions of gallons of water per well and generate hundreds of billions of gallons of wastewater each year. Such wells also generate considerable energy. How does the water intensity (water per unit energy) for hydraulic fracturing compare with the intensity of other fossil fuels, nuclear power, and various renewables? I will use new data from plays such as the Marcellus and Bakken to address this question, comparing water metrics for extraction, processing, and, where relevant, electricity generation.