Introduction.

Power generation processes in thermoelectric plants are one of the main consumers of fresh water.

Objective.

The work was carried out with the objective of evaluating the water consumption in the electricity generation process in the "10 de Octubre" Thermoelectric Power Plant, in Nuevitas, Cuba, as well as the generation of liquid waste, which allows the proposal of alternatives for the reduction of the environmental impact due to the discharge of wastewater, applying the principle of cleaner productions.

Materials and methods.

By analyzing data records and carrying out mass balances, the main water consumption and generation of residuals are identified and quantified.

Results.

With these data, the water consumption and waste maps are established, determining that the volume of residual water dumped into the sea amounts to 26 417 m3/year, as a result of the washing of the Regenerative Air Heaters (RAH), the convective axis and the continuous and periodic purges to the steam generator.

Conclusions.

It is proposed to reuse wastewater from continuous and periodic purges during washing by collecting it in tanks and later using it in RAH washes, which helps to neutralize their acidic character. In this way, the environmental impact in the bay and the costs for the purchase of raw water are reduced by USD $ 12,954.95/year, achieving a double environmental effect.