Water demand for electricity in deep decarbonisation scenarios: a multi-model 
assessment

Mouratiadou, Ioanna; Bevione, M.; Bijl, D. L.; Drouet, L.; Hejazi, M.; Mima, S.; Pehl, Michaja; Luderer, Gunnar

doi:10.1007/s10584-017-2117-7

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Water demand for electricity in deep decarbonisation scenarios: a multi-model assessment

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Mouratiadou, Ioanna
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research;

Bevione, M.
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Bijl, D. L.
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Drouet, L.
External Organizations;

Hejazi, M.
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Mima, S.
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/persons/resource/michaja.pehl

Pehl, Michaja
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research;

/persons/resource/Gunnar.Luderer

Luderer, Gunnar
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research;

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Citation

Mouratiadou, I., Bevione, M., Bijl, D. L., Drouet, L., Hejazi, M., Mima, S., Pehl, M., Luderer, G. (2018): Water demand for electricity in deep decarbonisation scenarios: a multi-model assessment. - Climatic Change, 147, 1-2, 91-106.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-017-2117-7

Cite as: https://publications.pik-potsdam.de/pubman/item/item_21998

Abstract

This study assesses the effects of deep electricity decarbonisation and shifts in the choice of power plant cooling technologies on global electricity water demand, using a suite of five integrated assessment models. We find that electricity sector decarbonisation results in co-benefits for water resources primarily due to the phase-out of water-intensive coal-based thermoelectric power generation, although these co-benefits vary substantially across decarbonisation scenarios. Wind and solar photovoltaic power represent a win-win option for both climate and water resources, but further expansion of nuclear or fossil- and biomass-fuelled power plants with carbon capture and storage may result in increased pressures on the water environment. Further to these results, the paper provides insights on the most crucial factors of uncertainty with regards to future estimates of water demand. These estimates varied substantially across models in scenarios where the effects of decarbonisation on the electricity mix were less clear-cut. Future thermal and water efficiency improvements of power generation technologies and demand-side energy efficiency improvements were also identified to be important factors of uncertainty. We conclude that in order to ensure positive effects of decarbonisation on water resources, climate policy should be combined with technology-specific energy and/or water policies.