New analysis of a study by the National Energy Energy laboratory ( NREL ) , by the Union of Concerned Scientists ( UCS ) , has shown that conventional coal extraction plants consume 11 to 27 gallons ( 49 - 120ltrs ) of water per KWh . The annual electricity use by an American family , powered by coal , would consume the same amount of water as using an eight - person hot tub 370 times , in comparison to the water consumed during coal extraction and transportation .
New analysis of a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), has shown that conventional coal power plants consume 11 to 27 gallons (49-120ltrs) of water per KWh. The annual electricity use by an American family, powered by coal, would consume the same amount of water as filling an eight-person hot tub 370 times, in addition to the water consumed during coal extraction and transportation.