A new documentary film, “Thirst for Power”, explores our dependence on water for energy and the hidden vulnerabilities in our modern, water-dependent energy systems.
The full-length film, based on Michael Webber’s 2016 book of the same name, is now available to stream on PBS. With filmmaker Mat Hames, Webber embarks on a global journey to uncover the often-overlooked links between energy and water, exploring how these forces shape our past, present, and future.
Webber, the Sid Richardson Chair in the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the John J. McKetta Centennial Energy Chair in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, has produced widely accessible educational content focused on his area of expertise — energy. He has developed TV shows, including two seasons of “Power Trip: The Story of Energy” also available on PBS, and online courses that anyone can view with the sole purpose of teaching people about energy.
“The point was to help explain to people the importance of energy and water and how they’re interrelated. And it took years to write the book and then years to make, produce and now release the documentary,” said Webber.
Inspired by a childhood trip to France, Webber takes viewers and his family through the engineering marvels of ancient Roman aqueducts to the colossal infrastructure of modern hydroelectric power stations.
Webber has been an influential voice in the energy industry for over 25 years. Fueled by his passion for increasing society’s “energy fluency,” he develops content that makes energy discussions accessible for all. In 2013, he launched “Energy 101: Energy Technology and Policy,” a massive open online course that teaches about issues we face in energy. He also created and hosted “Energy at the Movies,” an hour-long syndicated educational special on PBS that illustrates the history of energy using Hollywood movies as a road map.
Funding for “Thirst for Power” was provided by Itron, Inc., the State Energy Conservation Office of Texas, and HEB. It was created in partnership with Alpheus Media, Austin PBS, American Public Television, and The University of Texas at Austin.
This film was directed by Mat Hames and produced by Alpheus Media with executive producers Juan Garcia and Beth Hames.
A live screening of ‘Thirst for Power’ hosted by Austin PBS will take place on May 20th. For more information please visit https://austinpbs.org/events/thirst-for-power-screening
