Addressing water consumption in coal-fired thermal power plants is imperative, given the substantial impact on freshwater resources. These plants account for 70 per cent of industrial freshwater usage, underscoring the urgency for effective strategies.

Primarily, technical upgrades play a pivotal role. Prioritising cooling towers and adopting air-cooled condensers are essential steps. Cooling towers, responsible for 80 per cent of energy generation water input, significantly contribute to the overall consumption. By addressing these towers, the plant’s water usage can be notably reduced.

While air-cooled condensers are costly, they offer a substantial decrease in water intensity, down to 0.45-0.65 m3/MWh. The recent commissioning of an air-cooled condenser by the National Thermal Power Corporation in its 2GW coal power plant in Jharkhand signifies a positive step toward sustainable water consumption.

However, technical upgrades alone will not suffice. Ensuring adherence to strict regulations, especially in water-scarce regions, is crucial. New plants must implement zero-liquid discharge policies to limit water consumption and safeguard freshwater resources.

A broader consideration is necessary. Spatial distribution should be more sensitive to freshwater availability, preventing crises in proposed coal power plant sites. Until this happens, immediate action must prioritise enforcing norms in water-scarce areas.

The gravity of the situation is evident, with coal-fired thermal power plants consuming 22 billion cubic meters of freshwater annually. Government intervention is essential, acknowledging these facts and implementing policies to curb water consumption. Despite previous studies highlighting the adverse impact on freshwater resources, action remains necessary to mitigate water scarcity, ensuring uninterrupted plant operations.