| Description |
Water is used in power generation for cooling processes in thermoelectric power plants and currently withdraws more water than any other sector in the U.S. Reducing water use from power generation will help to alleviate water stress in at risk areas, where droughts have the potential to strain water resources. The amount of water used for power varies depending on many climatic aspects as well as plant operation factors. This work presents a model that quantifies the water use for power generation for two regions representing different generation fuel portfolios, California and Utah. The analysis of the California Independent System Operator introduces the methods of water energy modeling by creating an overall water use factor in volume of water per unit of energy produced based on the fuel generation mix of the area. The idea of water monitoring based on energy used by a building or region is explored based on live fuel mix data. This is for the purposes of increasing public awareness of the water associated with personal energy use and helping to promote greater energy efficiency. The Utah case study explores the effects more renewable, and less water-intensive, forms of energy will have on the overall water use from power generation for the state. Using a similar model to that of the California case study, total water savings are quantified based on power reduction scenarios involving increased use of renewable energy. The plausibility of implementing more renewable energy into Utah’s power grid is also discussed. Data resolution, as well as dispatch methods, economics, and solar variability, introduces some uncertainty into the analysis. |
