Thermoelectric Water Withdrawal

Definition

The non-consumptive water diversion utilized by coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants for steam condensation during electricity generation.

Key Characteristics

• High withdrawal volume with high percentage return to source water bodies.
• Thermal pollution constraints on aquatic ecosystems.

Applications

• Grid lifecycle analysis
• Energy policy

Mentions in Source

• “Distinguishes between water withdrawal and water consumption.” — andy-masley-critique-ai-water-use