Wind in your sails!

The global power sector is the largest industrial water user, and it has to start addressing the issue of water consumption, especially in the light of rising electricity demand, and increasing droughts created by the world’s changing climate.

And, to mitigate climate change, the power sector not only needs to become CO2 free, but also reduce its water consumption.

Thermal power systems are based upon what is known as the Rankin cycle. Often, steam is used to power turbines, but then it must be cooled to become liquid. Coal, Nuclear, or even solar power could be used to heat the steam, but tremendous amounts of water are usually required for cooling. In many places, that water is in very short supply or essential for our domestic water needs and agriculture. A shortage of water would require such power stations operate at less than full capacity.

Conventional fossil fuel and nuclear power plants make up 78% of global electricity production. Should they be unable to provide the necessary power due to increased water shortages, economic collapse may not be far behind.

Well, turns out that wind energy is almost water-free! US Department of Energy estimates that 20% of wind power in the US power system by 2030 would save as much as 4 trillion gallons (15 trillion litres) of water. More reason to pursue wind?