| Title: | CDFA, California - Feasibility of Biomass Energy Production to Support Local Water Self-Sufficiency |
| Type: |
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| State: | California |
| Program Description: | California Department of Food and Agriculture
Feasibility of Biomass Energy Production to Support Local Water Self-Sufficiency This study provides a preliminary analysis of an alternative to physical water transfers from the Imperial Valley to San Diego, as currently planned, in order to help reduce California water demand on the Colorado River to allocated levels. Retaining irrigation supplies in the Imperial Valley would maintain agricultural activity and allow production of biomass crops such as sugar cane that could be used to generate fuels and electricity. The electricity would be transmitted to San Diego as “virtual water” for desalination and other water treatment to supply fresh water. Since electricity can be used to power desalination or water treatment plants to create urban water supplies, electricity is referred to as "virtual water" in this study. The concept of high yields of biomass along with lower energy demands associated with Reverse Osmosis desalination approaches may provide conditions under which virtual water (electricity) transfers prove feasible not only for San Diego, but for other coastal communities in order to sustain productive use of agricultural land. The study can be found on the internet at Western Governors' Association . While the study concludes that further assessment of the feasibility is warranted, a number of potential barriers need to be addressed, including: - Constructing and operating electrical transmission from areas such as the Imperial Valley producers to coastal urban consumers. • Transparent accounting of the carbon intensity of existing and future water supplies. • Overcoming public perception of the suitability of water for domestic uses from recycle and reuse sources. • Developing appropriate market mechanisms to ensure access to electricity and water markets from environmentally superior sources based on a life cycle analysis approach to water supplies using a strong energy/carbon/water system analysis. • Continuous improvement of biomass energy systems from biomass feedstock production and acquisition, through conversion to various forms of renewable energy. • Continuous improvement of water treatment, storage, conveyance and distribution systems, as well as water conservation and water use efficiency methods to improve energy efficiency. Contact Information For more information, contact Bryan Jenkins Office Phone: (530) 752-1422 Fax: (530) 752-2640 Bryan Jenkins |
The Woody Biomass Utilization Database is a project of the Western Governors' Association
designed to increase awareness of the use of biomass resources for economic development and
environmental sustainability. Program objectives highlighted include biomass energy and
heating activities, education programs, and projects and technologies involving biomass
residue resulting from forest health treatments to reduce wildfire hazard risk.