Elsevier

Applied Energy

Volume 210, 15 January 2018, Pages 377-381
Applied Energy

Managing the energy-water-food nexus for sustainable development

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.10.064Get rights and content

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Nexus approach to address the close linkages between energy, water and food

Energy, water and food are all basic human needs. The three are intricately related. For example, globally, food production accounts for about 70% of water abstractions and 90% of water consumption, respectively [1]. In 2014, primary energy production and power generation accounted for roughly 10% of total worldwide water abstractions [2]. About 30% of global energy use is for food production and its supply chain [3], and 8% for water withdrawal and transportation, and sewage treatment [4].

Due

Future challenges on energy, water and food security

Global energy consumption is projected to increase by 48% between 2012 and 2040 [2]. Water demand is expected to rise by 50% and 18% between 2007 and 2025 in the developing and developed countries, respectively [13]. With continuous population increase and economic growth, challenges on securing sufficient energy, water, and food supplies to meet the demand are also amplifying. The close linkages between the three sectors give rise to the need for tackling the challenges with a nexus approach.

This special issue

This special issue provides latest research on the EWF nexus and identifies gaps that remain. It includes theoretical, methodological and empirical research papers on the relevant issues in science, technology and policy. The issue aims to provide in-depth thoughts about managing the EWF nexus for sustainable development and includes 24 papers. The papers can be grouped into four topics:

  • (1)

    Trends and tools in the nexus approach;

  • (2)

    Nexus framework and governance;

  • (3)

    Future clean energy technologies and

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