Katerina Swanson
Water and energy are closely linked. Water is used in the production of fossil fuels, and fossil fuels are used to produce water. Fossil fuel-powered energy generation is highly water-intensive, requiring water for cooling and during the extraction and processing stages. In 2017, fossil fuels generated 64.5% of electricity worldwide, with coal, oil, and gas serving about 80% of our energy needs. However, the burning of fossil fuels has had a detrimental impact on the environment and human health, contributing to air and water pollution and global warming. As such, there is a growing need to transition to clean, renewable energy sources that require less water, such as wind and solar power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuels used in Australia's power sector | 68% of total electricity generation |
| Fossil fuels used worldwide | 64.5% of electricity generation in 2017 |
| Fossil fuel used in the US | 80% of energy needs |
| Fossil fuels used in transportation | Fossil fuel-powered cars, trucks, and boats are the main contributors of poisonous carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide |
| Water used in fossil fuel production | Large volumes |
| Water used in thermoelectric power plants | 41% of total water withdrawals in the US in 2015 |
| Water used in coal mining | 650 liters of water for every tonne of coal produced |
| Water used in natural gas production | 10-20 ML of water to release natural gas |
| Water used in oil production | 3-6 gallons of water to produce a gallon of gasoline |
| Impact of water use in fossil fuel production | Competition with other water users, impact on aquatic ecosystems, and contribution to climate change |
| Alternatives to fossil fuels | Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel power plants use water for cooling
Fossil fuel power plants, such as coal, natural gas, and oil power plants, require large volumes of water for cooling. In the United States, 90% of electricity comes from thermoelectric power plants that run on these fossil fuels and require cooling. The heat generated from burning these fuels is used to boil water and produce steam, which then spins turbines to generate electricity. The steam must then be cooled and condensed back into water before it can be reused to produce more electricity.
There are different types of cooling systems used in power plants, including once-through, recirculating or closed-loop, and dry cooling systems. Once-through cooling systems take water from nearby sources like rivers, lakes, or the ocean, circulate it through pipes to absorb heat from the steam, and then discharge the warmer water back to the local source. These systems were initially popular due to their simplicity and low cost, but they have fallen out of favour due to their negative impact on aquatic ecosystems and the difficulty of finding suitable plant locations near water sources.
Recirculating or closed-loop cooling systems, on the other hand, reuse the cooling water in a second cycle instead of discharging it immediately. These systems help conserve water but require additional water to replace losses due to evaporation, blowdown, drift, and leakage. Dry cooling systems use air instead of water to cool the steam, significantly reducing water consumption. However, they are less efficient, resulting in higher fuel usage and increased environmental impacts from fuel processing and transportation.
The large volumes of water required by fossil fuel power plants for cooling can lead to significant water stress, especially in dry regions like Australia, where fossil fuels still contribute 68% of the country's total electricity generation. Coal mining and coal-fired power stations in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, use 383 billion litres of water annually, with the power stations alone consuming about 160 million litres. Additionally, the water used in the cooling process can be withdrawn from freshwater sources, such as lakes and rivers, further impacting aquatic ecosystems and competing with other users for freshwater resources.
To mitigate water usage and stress, some power plants are transitioning to more water-efficient power generation and cooling technologies, such as natural gas plants, which use approximately 20% of the water required by coal power stations. Additionally, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power offer water-friendly alternatives that require significantly less water for electricity generation. Implementing energy- and water-efficient practices and technologies can help reduce the strain on water resources and contribute to conservation efforts.
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Water is used in the refining of transportation fuels
Fossil fuels are indeed used in water power, with water being used to generate electricity. In the process of thermoelectric power production, water is used for once-through cooling. This process is used in around 43% of power plants in the United States.
Water is also used in the refining of transportation fuels. Petroleum refineries are generally located near water resources, such as river mouths, to take advantage of water access and improve transportation cost structures. The production of petroleum fuels requires a lot of water during processing and cooling. Water cooling can be achieved through open-circuit, semi-open-circuit, and closed-circuit systems. The amount of water used in petroleum fuel production depends on the specific processes involved and the type of fuel being produced. For example, gasoline production consumes the largest amount of water, with 0.60-0.71 gallons of water required to produce one gallon of gasoline. On the other hand, jet fuel refining requires the least amount of water, with only 0.09 gallons of water needed per gallon of jet fuel.
The water used in petroleum fuel production comes from various sources, including groundwater, canals, rivers, lakes, and sometimes even the ocean. While refineries are typically located near an unlimited supply of saltwater, water reuse is often preferred over desalination due to its increasing efficiency and affordability. Additionally, wastewater reuse is also an option, as sewage and stormwater are available within the refinery premises.
The high water consumption associated with the refining of transportation fuels has led to concerns about the stress on the global water supply. As a result, water consumption is considered a critical sustainability metric in evaluating energy production processes, including the production of transportation fuels.
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Fossil fuel energy generation is water-intensive
Fossil fuel energy generation is a highly water-intensive process. In the United States, thermoelectric power plants generate almost 90% of electricity. These facilities use fossil fuels, primarily coal, oil, and natural gas, or nuclear fuels to boil water for steam to turn turbines and generate electricity. Once the steam is used, it has to be cooled. This is done through once-through cooling systems, where water is sent to a cooling pond or returned to the water body from which it was withdrawn, but at a higher temperature. About 43% of power plants in the US use such systems, which can have devastating impacts on aquatic life. The remaining plants use closed-cycle or dry-cooled systems, which are less water-intensive.
The large amount of water required by thermoelectric plants means that total US withdrawals for thermoelectric power accounted for 41% of total water withdrawals in 2015. This added up to 133 billion gallons per day, most of which were from freshwater sources like lakes and rivers. In Australia, the power sector still relies heavily on fossil fuels, which require large volumes of water. Coal mining and coal-fired power stations in Queensland and New South Wales use 383 billion liters of water a year, with the power stations alone consuming about 160 ML per year.
The production and refining of transportation fuels like oil, natural gas, and biofuels also require a lot of water. In the US, it is estimated that one to two billion gallons of water are withdrawn daily to refine nearly 800 million gallons of petroleum products. On average, it takes three to six gallons of water to produce a gallon of gasoline. Water is also consumed to produce natural gas through fracking, where water is pumped into a tight rock formation to release the gas bound inside.
Given the water-intensive nature of fossil fuel energy generation, it is important to consider the water footprint of energy systems when making planning decisions. This is especially relevant in water-scarce regions, such as Australia, where fossil fuels currently dominate the energy supply. By switching to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, it is possible to reduce water use and conserve this precious resource. Additionally, reducing fossil fuel use through measures like driving less, carpooling, and using energy-efficient appliances can also help save water.
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Water is used in the extraction of fossil fuels
Water is essential for producing energy, and fossil fuel-powered energy generation is a highly water-intensive process. Water is used in the extraction of fossil fuels in several ways. Firstly, during the process of fracking, water is pumped into tight rock formations to release natural gas. The amount of water used in fracking varies but typically ranges from 10 to 20 ML per well. This water is usually sourced from surface or groundwater supplies, although non-potable water is also increasingly being utilized.
In addition to fracking, water is also necessary for cooling in fossil fuel power plants. Approximately 75% of the water used in coal power stations is utilized for this purpose. While dry cooling methods, which use air instead of water, can reduce water consumption, they result in decreased electricity output and increased carbon dioxide emissions. Water is also used for cooling in natural gas power plants, although these plants are much more water-efficient than coal-based facilities, requiring only about 20% of the water needed by coal power stations.
The water-intensive nature of fossil fuel energy production can lead to significant water stress in certain regions, particularly during dry periods. For instance, in Australia, where fossil fuels dominate the energy supply, studies have shown that several catchments in the National Electricity Market (NEM) region experience medium to high water stress due to competition for freshwater sources. This highlights the importance of considering the water footprint of energy systems in planning decisions to balance energy and water demands, especially in water-scarce areas.
Furthermore, the production and refining of transportation fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and biofuels, require significant amounts of water. Researchers estimate that the United States withdraws one to two billion gallons of water daily to refine approximately 800 million gallons of petroleum products. On average, it takes about three to six gallons of water to produce a single gallon of gasoline. These figures underscore the significant water intensity of the transportation fuel industry.
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Water is used in the processing of fossil fuels
Water is essential for producing energy, and fossil fuels are no exception. In the power sector, fossil fuels predominantly consist of coal, natural gas (mainly methane), and oil (diesel and fuel oil). While the shift towards renewable energy sources is gaining momentum, fossil fuels still play a significant role in energy production and continue to require large volumes of water in the process.
Coal, the most prevalent fossil fuel in the energy mix, is highly water-intensive. Coal mining and coal-fired power stations in certain regions consume an enormous amount of water annually. Specifically, coal mining requires approximately 650 litres of water for every tonne of coal produced. This water is primarily sourced from surface and groundwater, and it is used for coal processing, dust suppression, and vehicle washdowns.
Natural gas, the second-largest fossil fuel source in some energy markets, also consumes water during its production. The process of fracking, where water is pumped into rock formations to release natural gas, requires 10 to 20 ML of water per well. Interestingly, natural gas power plants are more water-efficient than coal power plants, as they use about 20% less water due to lower cooling requirements.
Oil, another component of the fossil fuel mix, also demands water during its refining process. Typically, a refinery will use 1.5 times the amount of water as the quantity of oil refined. The overall water consumption of an oil-based turbine is comparable to that of a natural gas turbine.
The use of water in fossil fuel processing extends beyond the specific fuel types. Thermoelectric power production, which includes the use of fossil fuels, relies extensively on water for once-through cooling. This process can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, as it can harm or kill fish, fish eggs, and other aquatic life. Additionally, returning the warmer cooling water to its source can lead to thermal pollution, causing further damage to aquatic life.
In summary, water is intimately tied to the processing of fossil fuels, particularly in the production of coal, natural gas, and oil. While efforts to transition to renewable energy sources are growing, the current reliance on fossil fuels means that water-intensive processes continue to be a significant factor in energy production.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels are not used in water power. Water power, or hydroelectricity, generates electricity by storing water in vast reservoirs behind dams and allowing the water to flow through turbines. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are burned to create heat, which is used to generate steam to drive turbines and generate electricity.
Fossil fuels are fuels formed from the fossilized, buried remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Examples include coal, crude oil, and natural gas.
Fossil fuels generated 64.5% of electricity worldwide in 2017. However, this number may have decreased since then due to the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources.
Water power, or hydroelectricity, does not use water in the same way that fossil fuel power plants do. While fossil fuel power plants use water primarily for cooling, hydroelectric power plants use water to generate electricity, which can be a more sustainable option in water-stressed regions.
Water power, or hydroelectricity, is a renewable energy source that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or contribute to air pollution like fossil fuels. It is also a more reliable source of electricity as it can run for many months without interruption and does not face the same supply issues as fossil fuels.
