Costlier, scarcer supplies dictate making thermal plants less thirsty

The Energy Information Administration estimates that US thermoelectric generating capacity will grow from 709 GW in 2005 to 862 GW in 2030 to help meet annual demand of 2%. The makeup and cooling water needed by plants generating that increased capacity certainly won't be available from withdrawal sources, so plant developers and owners will have to apply water saving technologies plantwide. As is usually the case, conservation saves money as well as the environment. A brief economic analysis of some solutions to the water problem is included. 12 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.