The Permian AI Podcast

Could the next great chapter of the Permian Basin be about more than oil and gas?Texas State Senator Kevin Sparks joins The Permian AI for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of West Texas and the enormous opportunities—and challenges—being created by artificial intelligence, data centers and America’s rapidly growing demand for electricity.We discuss whether the Permian Basin could become a major part of America’s technology boom by leveraging the resources and expertise already found here: natural gas, energy infrastructure, land, water, entrepreneurship and generations of energy experience.The conversation also explores the future of Texas’ electric grid and transmission infrastructure, including 765-kV transmission; protecting private-property rights as Texas grows; and how policymakers can make sure communities have a voice in decisions being made in Austin.And we take a closer look at one of the Permian Basin’s most intriguing opportunities: produced water.Could billions of barrels of water associated with oil and gas production eventually move from being viewed primarily as a disposal challenge to becoming a strategic resource? And as AI data centers increase demand for electricity and water, could new technology and investment create an entirely new industry around produced-water treatment and beneficial reuse?Senator Sparks also shares his vision for what he wants the Permian Basin to become for the next generation.In this episode:The Permian Basin and the AI revolutionAI data centers in West TexasNatural gas and America’s growing electricity demandTexas’ 765-kV transmission buildoutGrid reliability and future power needsPrivate-property rightsProduced water and beneficial reuseWater infrastructure and technologyEconomic development in West TexasTaking West Texas priorities from the community to the Texas CapitolWhat the Permian Basin could look like in 2035The question at the center of this conversation:Will the Permian Basin simply provide the energy that powers America’s AI revolution—or can we build part of that revolution right here in West Texas?Subscribe to The Permian AI for conversations and intelligence at the intersection of energy, artificial intelligence, data centers, power, water and the future of the Permian Basin. 

🎙️ The Permian AI PodcastFeaturing Steve Coffee, President of the Produced Water Society
 
What if one of the Permian Basin's biggest challenges could become one of its most valuable resources?
In this episode of The Permian AI Podcast, we sit down with Steve Coffee, President of the Produced Water Society, to explore the rapidly changing future of produced water in the Permian Basin.
Every day, oil and gas production across the Permian brings enormous volumes of water to the surface. Historically, much of that water has been viewed primarily as something that must be transported, treated, recycled or disposed of.
That conversation is changing.
Produced water is increasingly becoming part of a much larger discussion involving water recycling, treatment technology, infrastructure, power generation, data centers, beneficial reuse and potentially even mineral recovery.
And the stakes are enormous.
As the Permian continues to supply the energy needed to power America's economy—and as AI and data centers drive unprecedented demand for electricity—the ability to responsibly manage and reuse water could become an important part of the region's next chapter.
Steve Coffee takes us inside the industry to explain:
• What produced water actually is• Why the Permian produces so much of it• How the industry manages it today• Why disposal capacity is becoming increasingly important• How recycling and advanced treatment are changing the economics• Where beneficial reuse could eventually take the industry• Why produced water matters to the future of energy, AI and the Permian Basin
The Permian has spent generations turning underground resources into economic opportunity.
Could water be the next one?
 
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