The Importance of Water for Power Generation

摘要

The importance of water for modern day power generation is well known and becoming the focus of more intense study of late. Latest survey data available from the USGS "Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2005" estimates that thermoelectric power generation accounted for 41 percent of all freshwater withdrawals, roughly 201 billion gallons per day. This is striking compared to the 44.2 billion gallons per day of water withdrawn for public supply documented in the same survey. How is all of this water used in the power generation process? This paper will provide an overview of various power generation technologies, their unique water requirements, water and wastewater treatment processes used in power generation, affects of recent regulatory changes on power generation water use, and power generators evolving attitudes towards water and wastewater. Hopefully this will provide insight and education for those unfamiliar with this industry and possibly foster opportunities for greater cooperation between water and energy sectors.