Cooling ponds can be cost-effective for power plants, especially in areas where land is available and water resources are abundant. The initial construction costs are typically lower than those of cooling towers, as cooling ponds do not require complex mechanical systems or expensive infrastructure. They also have fewer operational and maintenance costs over time since they rely on natural processes like evaporation and heat dissipation, rather than energy-intensive machinery.
Once established, cooling ponds can serve for many years with minimal upkeep, mainly involving water quality monitoring and occasional repairs to the liner. However, the cost-effectiveness of a cooling pond depends on the site’s specific conditions, such as the climate, available space, and environmental regulations. In areas with limited land or where water conservation is a concern, other cooling methods, like cooling towers, may be more appropriate.
