| Electrical power industry is quite essential to a nation's economy. It plays an extremely important role in the development of national economy and society. Under the policy of reform and opening up, along with the improvement of comprehensive national strength and living standards of people, electrical power industry has achieved rapid development. In electrical industry, production processes will consume large amount of energy and water resource. In recent years, China faces more severe water shortage and environmental pollution, and electrical industry undergoes unprecedented restriction and challenges. It is the only way to achieve sustainable development of electrical industry through cutting unit energy and water consumption, exploring and developing new energy, unconventional water sources and circular economy, and reducing environmental pollution.This paper originates from basic theories of circular economy. It analyses circular economy modes of developed countries and pilot circular economy modes of China, and concludes experience of application of circular economy in electrical industry. Taking severe water shortage and geographical advantages of coastal electrical power plants into consideration, this paper also discusses the designing of new circular economy modes of water systems in coastal electrical power plant. Taking Beijiang Power Plant as an example, the paper states the feasibility of circular economy chain of water system, which is based on industries ranging from power generation, thermal provision, seawater desalination, salt production and salt chemistry. It discusses coastal electrical power plants' utilization of sea water. The utilization process includes sea water desalination, salt production, and salt-related chemicals production. Byproducts from previous process can be used as resources for next step production. Economic benefits can achieve and costs can be lowered down. Meanwhile, pollution and damage to outside can also be reduced. Finally, economy, society and environment can coordinate and develop in a positive circle. |
