July and August observed (U_O2397530) and simulated river temperatures below Plant Hammond and above Lake Weiss given as frequency distribution

Figure 11. July and August observed (U_O2397530) and simulated river temperatures below Plant Hammond and above Lake Weiss given as frequency distribution. Plot includes th BAU, two alternative fuel-mix scenarios (CB and AEO) and the historic simulation for the period 1971–2010. The horizontal, dashed line is the 32 °C mark, where is often the regulated temperature threshold.

Abstract

Recent studies on the relationship between thermoelectric cooling and water resources have been made at coarse geographic resolution and do not adequately evaluate the localized water impacts on specific rivers and water bodies. We present the application of an integrated electricity generation–water resources planning model of the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint (ACF) and Alabama–Coosa–Tallapoosa (ACT) rivers based on the regional energy deployment system (ReEDS) and the water evaluation and planning (WEAP) system. A future scenario that includes a growing population and warmer, drier regional climate shows that benefits from a low-carbon, electricity fuel-mix could help maintain river temperatures below once-through coal-plants. These impacts are shown to be localized, as the cumulative impacts of different electric fuel-mix scenarios are muted in this relatively water-rich region, even in a warmer and drier future climate.