IMPACTS OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE OPERATION OF A FRESHWATER COOLED ELECTRIC POWER PLANT

Abstract

Climate change predicted for the northern hemisphere and its regional version will modify the environment and, as a consequence, the conditions of a wide range of human activities. Among others, the energy demand and production is also affected. This paper, by a case study analysis of an electric power plant supplied with freshwater cooling system deals with the latter. Changes of hydrological regime, i.e. flow rate and water temperature are predicted to change unfavourable: lower flow rate and higher temperature during the critical period. Mitigation of disadvantages are manifold, but without any endangering of the safety operation, additional investment and operation costs could be predicted.