Water supply/demand alternatives for electric generation in the Colorado Basin
Energy development in the western states, particularly the Colorado River Basin, poses two water-related concerns: that water availability may constrain development; and that industrial water use may have a negative impact on other water users. Water use for electricity generation in the Colorado Basin is examined. Substitution of dry cooling for wet cooling can almost eliminate the consummptive use of water at an electric plant. The cost of water saved, however, is quite high compared to the cost of water supply alternatives such as water transfers and groundwater and waste water use. Water use plans of utilities in the region reflect both an incentive for surface water conservation and the high cost of dry cooling. Considering that dry cooling adds a small amount to the cost of generating electricity, one may conclude that water availability has an insignificant effect on the potential for development. Although detailed evaluation of the impacts on water resources is beyond the scope of this paper, it is suggested that these concerns may be exaggerated.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 6224376
- Report Number(s):
- LA-7662-MS
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
COLORADO RIVER BASIN
POWER PLANTS
WATER RESOURCES
POWER DEMAND
FORECASTING
WATER REQUIREMENTS
COOLING SYSTEMS
ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
GROUND WATER
POWER GENERATION
SURFACE WATERS
WASTE WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LIQUID WASTES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
WASTES
WATER
200101* - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Cooling & Heat Transfer Equipment & Systems
200106 - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Economics
200203 - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Waste Management- Site Selection & Land Use
290400 - Energy Planning & Policy- Energy Resources