An integrated modeling approach to assess water-energy nexus in a semi-arid watershed

Abstract

The synergies and conflicts between the energy and water systems, necessitate the collaboration between these sectors. Effective management of the interdependent energy and water systems requires a nexus approach that acknowledges these interconnections, as opposed to regarding them as distinct systems. We applied an integrated modeling approach for evaluating the Water-Energy Nexus based on a variety of criteria as water consumption, energy production, and CO2 emissions. According to the simulations, 96% reduction in water savings can be achieved when wet cooling systems of the thermal power plant (TPP) are converted to dry. Moreover, if the TPPs are shut down to reduce CO2 emissions, the hydroelectric power plants can only cover 16% of the total electricity production. Hence, securing energy while reducing CO2 emissions is a challenging task. Despite producing only 10–15% of total energy, HPPs account for 70–100% of total water consumption in all scenarios.