Liquid Gold: Economic Impacts of Desalination in the Lone Star State

Is desalination the wave of the future in the Texas economy? In this episode, we dive into the challenges, benefits, and potential place for desalination in the Texas economy. Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the economic considerations in relation to desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University.

Today’s Guest: Gabe Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute.

Gabe Collins explores the economic considerations of desalination in Texas:

• A Natural Commodity: Gabe outlines his entry into water law, economics, and desalination. (05:00)

• “Whoa! That’s expensive!” this first-blush response is correct but evolving. (06:28)

• An emerging global player: Desalination is a small contender in the global economy, but “poised for significant growth.” (08:18)

• Tapped Out or Tapping In? Desalination as a means of supply diversification for communities with dwindling water resources (10:27)

• The Cutting Edge: Gabe offers a two-part timeline for the water outlook for Texas water infrastructure. (12:25)

• At the wellhead: Gabe and Robert discuss cost and infrastructure challenges of desalination. (16:10)

And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!

• Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a season review and discussion on the outlook for desalination in Texas.

Episode Links and Resources:

• Prospective Costs and Consequences of Insufficient Water Infrastructure Investment in Texas

• Texas 2036

• Texas Desalination Association

• Submit a question to the pod!

Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.

Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.