Thermoelectric plants accounted for the most water extracted in the United States (power plant water use) , using approximately 47.5 trillion gallons for cooling in 2020.
Withdrawal vs. Consumption
Withdrawal is the water extracted for use that returns to the source while consumption is when water evaporates (power plant water use) . According to USGS, 3 percent of the water extracted for cooling was consumed in 2015, but hot water continues to harm the water body.
Which Plants Use More Water?
In terms of withdrawal per megawatt-hour, coal used more water than other sources, which is 21406 gallons per megawatt-hour, while gas was at 2793 gallons. Moreover, wind and solar energy do not require water for cooling. Western states use less water than eastern states due to the modification of operations using recirculating cooling.
Why Is It Important?
With an increase in drought levels and lower water availability, the amount of water needed for thermoelectric plants diminished. Once-through cooling has decreased to 23 percent.
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