Analysis of the Effects of Drought Conditions on Electric Power Generation in the Western United States

摘要

This report was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Existing Plants Research Program. The energy-water research component of this program is focused on water use at power plants. This study complements the programs overall research effort by evaluating the availability of water at power plants under drought conditions. During the summer and fall of 2007, a serious drought affected the southeastern United States. River flows decreased, and water levels in lakes and other impoundments dropped. In a few cases, water levels were so low that power production had to be stopped or reduced. It is likely that, in coming years, competing water demands will increase. It is also possible that climatic conditions will become warmer or at least more variable, thereby exacerbating future droughts. This report attempts to identify the system-wide impacts on the power system that could arise from various decreases in surface water levels.