Water and Energy Nexus in China: Current Situation and Future Perspective in Energy Industry, Water Industry and Agriculture

Abstract

Water is needed to generate energy. Energy is required to deliver, clean, and evaporate water. There are extensive linkages between water and energy. Meanwhile, both resources may limit the other, especially in the context of urbanization and industrialization as well as climate change. Due to the large population and fast-growing economy, China is one of the most water and energy shortage countries in the world. Relations between water and energy are particularly strained. Unfortunately, up to now, little attention has been paid to the tension relation between water and energy in China. Studying water and energy nexus can provide more information than investigating them separately because of their concomitant relationship. In this paper, we reviewed the recent situations on these issues in China, mainly focused on the following topics: 1) energy consumption in water industry; 2) water consumption and energy nexus in energy industry and urban; 3) water and energy nexus in agriculture; and 4) Energy consumption by evapotranspiration and its cooling effect on reducing urban temperature. Extensive data are analyzed and reported in this study, which will be useful for policy making by taking account of climate change, urbanization, and population growth.