Life-cycle uses of water in US electricity generation

RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS

卷:14

Review

Fthenakis, Vasilis^1,2  Kim, Hyung Chul² 

[1] Brookhaven Natl Lab, Dept Energy Sci & Technol, Upton, NY 11973 USA

[2] Columbia Univ, Ctr Life Cycle Anal, New York, NY USA

关键词: Life cycle;    Water use;    Electricity;    Renewable energy;    Photovoltaics;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.rser.2010.03.008

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Water use by the electric power industry is attracting renewed interest as periods and zones of arid weather are increasingly encountered, and various regional energy-production scenarios are evaluated. However, there is a scarcity of data on upstream water factors and discrepancies of data from different sources. We reviewed previous studies of water use in electricity generation and used full-life cycle accounting to evaluate water demand factors, both withdrawal and consumption, for conventional- and renewable-electrical power plants. Our investigation showed that moving to technologies like photovoltaics and wind offers the best option for conserving our water supply. We also emphasize the importance of employing a transparent, balanced approach in accounting life-cycle water usages. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

【 授权许可】

Free