coal’s water use: global picture, and case studies from china, india and south africa, by iris...
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Presentation on Coal’s water use: Global picture, and case studies from China, India and South Africa, by Iris Cheng from Greenpeace Internationalat 2014 UN-Water Annual International Zaragoza Conference. Preparing for World Water Day 2014: Partnerships for improving water and energy access, efficiency and sustainability. 13-16 January 2014.TRANSCRIPT
Coal’s water useGlobal picture, and case studies from China, India and South Africa
Iris Cheng, Climate & Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace [email protected]
Coal’s water consumption: half of future growth in energy demand for water
All energy:66 135 billion cubic meters (bcm)
(2010-2035)
Coal:37 70 bcm
Roughly responsible for half of the growth
Source: IEA WEO 2012, current policy scenario
China: Mismatch between Coal & Water Resources
53% of ensured coal reserves are in water scarce or water deficit regions.
McKinsey estimates that China will have an unmet water demand of over 200 billion m3 (25% of total supply) by 2030.
By 2015, 16 new coal power bases will consume 10 billion m3 of water annually – equivalent to about one sixth of the annual total water volume of the Yellow River, triggering severe water crises in the country’s arid Northwest.
India: coal’s major clash with agriculture
•Vidarbha in Maharashtra is highly water stressed.•Current: 4 state owned coal plants generate ~ 4500 MW.•Water diverted to coal plants ILLEGALLY.•Proposed: 71 new coal plants (54GW): locations include 6 most distressed areas, in which 6,084 farmers committed suicide in 2001-2010 due to lack of irrigation facilities leading to lost of livelihood.
Coal power plants
No. of plants
Generation capacity MW
Water allocation (106 m3)
Approved 33 24655.5 1008.9 (35.6 tmcft)
Pending 38 30041.5 1040.31 ( 36.7 tmcft)
Total 71 54697 2049.2 ( 72 tmcft)
As of December 2010
South Africa: coal threatening water access
Water: 2030: unmet water demand of 2.7 billion m3 (17% of total supply) A million households without access to min 25 litres /person /day. Growing no. of water scarcity driven ‘service delivery protests’
Coal deepening the crisis:Energy mix: 93% coal (vs 0.008% wind, almost no solar) 13 coal plants (34GW) + 3 new ultra mega plants (~15GW)Dry cooling still uses water: Kusile needs 26.15 million m3 / yearCoal mining: water intensive, acid mine drainage a major cause of water pollution
Single biggest determining factor: energy choice
Why partnership is needed: Globally: 1500 proposed coal plants – preventing lock-in is key. We already have the technology – energy planning and utilities’ business model need to catch up.