The river’s light: water needs for thermoelectric power generation in the Ebro river basin, 1969–2015

Water is essential for almost all energy processes. This paper analyses the evolution of the cooling water needs of thermal power plants in the Ebro River basin, the largest contributor to the Spanish electricity grid, over the period 1969–2015. It makes several contributions. First, the cooling water needs for the plants are estimated. Second, these water requirements are compared to other water-using activities in the region. Third, a long-term water-use efficiency analysis is carried out. Finally, water-saving measures are proposed to counter possible future water scarcities. The results show that thermoelectric water consumption per capita is around 7 m3/year. Estimated future thermal power generation water withdrawals (around 500 m3 per capita/year) might compromise flows for other water uses in periods of drought.This research was supported by the Spanish Government through the MINECO research projects, references HAR2014-53825-R and HAR2017-86086-R. The author also benefits from a research contract from Spanish Government through MINECO reference BES-2015-074128

The environmental Kuznets curve at the thermoelectricity-water nexus: empirical evidence from Spain

Energy and water are essential resources for ensuring economic growth. Both sectors are closely interrelated. Electricity generation is one of the most water-intensive activities worldwide and the cooling of thermoelectric power stations represents one of the largest uses of water within the energy sector. This study provides evidence on the existence of an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for water withdrawal at the thermoelectricity sector in Spain, one of the most arid countries in Europe, for the period 1970–2019, using the ARDL model. Our results show a direct rela- tionship between per capita income and water withdrawal until an estimated turning point is reached. In the Spanish case, further development has led to a reduction in water needs for the following reasons: 1) the use of less water-intensive cooling systems, 2) changes in generation technology.This publication has been supported by the grant HAR2017-860086-R funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ¨"ERDF A way of making Europe". Puente-Ajovín must acknowledge the Regional Government of Aragon through the research project reference S39_20R. This research is also funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (references PID2020-114354RA-I00 and PID2020-112773GB-I00). Sesma-Martín also benefits from the post-doctoral research fellowship reference 1295/2019, assigned to the History and Economics Group at Universidad Publica de Navarra (UPNA