Water is an important part of the thermal energy process – one that we may not think as much about.

Akshat Rathi examines the role of water in thermal electricity generation, where it is used to condense cooled steam after the stream turns turbines. "In the US and Europe, more than half of the water drawn from nature is used for power generation. This year’s heatwave has forced some of those power plants to shut down," reports Rathi.
The amount of water used varies widely among types of thermal power plants. For example, the cooling towers of a nuclear power plant use over 1,100 gallons of water to produce a mega-watt hour of electricity while a geothermal power plant uses only 15 gallons. Rathi notes that this water goes back into the environment, but there is still a risk of the water temperature affecting plants and wildlife.
Hydropower, wind, and solar—non-thermal ways to generate energy—do not use water for cooling. However, hydropower uses large amounts of water for energy production. As a result, says Rathi, wind and solar power are the best bets for cutting both fuel and water use.
FULL STORY: You probably have no idea just how much water is needed to produce electricity

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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