Water vapour formed when combusting hydrocarbons determines the dew point of the flue gas. If exposed to an aqueous solvent, mass transfer may take place between the flue gas and the solvent. Depending on the dew point and the difference in temperature between the two fluids, the solvent may be either enriched or diluted.In power cycles with CCS, the dew point generally depends on fuel, capture technology, and plant efficiency.Against this background, a dew-point model is defined, taking into account the fuel composition combined with optional combustion principles (air-blown or oxygen-based), net plant efficiency and the rate at which CO2 is being removed. The purpose is a) to assess the exhaust gas composition from which the detailed flue gas composition and emission indices can be derived, and b) to estimate the corresponding dew point whereby the net water demand (either for make-up or retrieval) is determined depending on flue gas temperature.Four cases are presented in dual operation mode. Except for coal-based power cycles operating on wet lignite, the study suggests that a significant amount of make-up water is required in post-combustion mode. Conversely, the study reveals that some power cycles (and fuels) are capable of offering net water recovery from the flue gas, especially in oxy-combustion mode. The study also illustrates the sensitivity of water balancing. Hence, the net amount of water should be carefully addressed on a techno-economic basis and by taking into account the seasonal availability of process water, especially in regions hampered by limited water supply.