That thermal power plants are highly water intensive is well known. However, there is a significant data gap in power plant water use in India. We use data science techniques and innovative methodologies to develop a comprehensive plant-level geo-database on water withdrawal and consumption for India’s thermal power sector, making a first-cut attempt to fill the data gap that exists in power plant water use. Combined with information on power generation, water risks, and future projections of energy and water demand, we have quantified the Indian thermal power sector’s water demand, assessed its exposure to water stress, and evaluated opportunities for reducing water requirements while supporting power growth for the future.
The recorded video is here:
• 40 percent of India’s freshwater-dependent thermal power plants experience high water stress
• Between 2013 and 2016, 14 of India’s 20 largest thermal utility companies experienced one or more shutdowns due to water shortages. Shutdowns cost these companies over Rs 91 billion ($1.4 billion) in potential revenue from the sale of power
• water shortages cancelled out more than 20 percent of India’s growth in electricity generation between 2015 and 2016
• 12.4 billion cubic meters of fresh water withdrawals could be reduced from India’s power sector needs, if proposed cooling mandates were fully implemented and aggressive renewable targets completely achieved
• Prioritizing installation of solar PV and wind projects in highly water stressed areas can help make India’s electricity supply more resistant to water shortages while helping meet India’s NDC: a 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030
Who should attend the webinar:
• Industry professionals, Policy makers, CEOs
• Analysts, Consultants
• Energy sector specialists
• Finance executives, Banking sector professionals
• Public sector officials, Researchers, Students
About the Speaker:
Deepak Krishnan is the Associate Director for WRI India's Energy Program and leads work on the Green Power Market Development Group, India initiative. He interacts with industrial and commercial users of energy, regulators, renewable energy developers and financers to evolve solutions to encourage greater private investment in renewable energy. He has worked on issues in the entire electricity sector value chain including mining, generation, transmission, distribution and renewable energy.