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Running on empty: the electricity-water Nexus and the U.S. electric utility sector
This article explores the consequence of the growing water needs of the United States electric utility industry. It argues that an impending scarcity of water could complicate continued reliance on thermoelectric power plants that combust fossil fuels or utilize nuclear fission to generate power. The article begins by explaining the electricity-water nexus and noting how conventional power plants “use” water by withdrawing and consuming it, placing a special emphasis on the different cooling cycles for thermoelectric power plants. The article then focuses on how the water needs of the electricity industry may engender a series of water and power crises in eight future metropolitan areas— Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, New York, and San Francisco—where water resources will be scarce or declining, especially if electricity demand grows as expected. The final part of the article emphasizes what electric utilities can do to minimize their water needs, particularly by halting all future thermoelectric power plant construction, promoting energy efficiency, deploying renewable power stations, and distributing information and more accurate price signals to electricity customers.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
Energy Law JournalISSN
0270-9163Publisher
University of Tulsa College of LawIssue
1Volume
30Page range
11-51Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-12-03Usage metrics
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