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Water and Energy Conference charts new course for Mississippi
What happens when the future of water and the future of energy are discussed in the same room?
At Mississippi State University's 2025 Water and Energy Conference, the answer was clear: smarter planning, stronger partnerships and a new path forward for managing Mississippi's most critical resources.
Hosted by MSU's Water Resources Research Institute, or WRRI, in partnership with the university's Office of Research and Economic Development, the conference marked a pivotal evolution in how the state approaches growth. For the first time, energy took its place alongside water in the conference title—an intentional move reflecting how deeply intertwined the two have become.
That connection is no longer theoretical. As Mississippi sees a surge in energy production projects, from advanced manufacturing to data centers and emerging technologies, water has emerged as a central factor in whether growth is sustainable, affordable and community focused.
"Energy production for new technology depends on a reliable water supply—water for cooling, processing and generation," said Anthony Craven, WRRI project manager. "t the same time, agriculture—our largest industry—depends on water just as heavily. The challenge is building infrastructure that supports economic growth without negatively impacting our people, our communities or our natural resources."
Throughout the conference, speakers from academia, industry and government explored how Mississippi can meet rising demand while protecting ratepayers and safeguarding long-term water availability. Discussions emphasized integration over silos—planning energy and water systems together rather than in isolation.
The future of that work was also on display through the conference's graduate student research competition. Students presented innovative projects during poster and oral sessions, receiving feedback from academic and industry judges while competing for top honors.
"The competition helps students sharpen their communication skills and learn how to talk about complex research in ways people can understand," said Lisa Dye, WRRI project manager. "Just as important, it puts them in the same room with professionals who can offer career insight and mentorship. That kind of networking is invaluable."
Organizers say the expanded conference format is just the beginning. Plans are already underway to deepen collaboration among universities, government agencies, utilities and private industry—groups that will all play a role in shaping Mississippi's infrastructure decisions in the decades ahead.
By convening diverse voices and disciplines, the Water and Energy Conference is helping lay the groundwork for solutions that prioritize reliability, safety and resiliency—ensuring that progress translates into real benefits for everyday Mississippians.
"It's always encouraging to see people from different sectors working together to move Mississippi forward," Craven said. "There's real value in having an annual forum that brings serious, thoughtful engagement to issues that will define our state's future."
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