A Systematic Review of Isolated Water and Energy Microgrids: Infrastructure, Optimization of Management Strategies, and Future Trends

Abstract

Isolated water and energy microgrids (IWEMGs) serve as vital solutions for enhancing the well-being of remote and rural communities, particularly in areas where water and energy resources are scarce. This has spurred research into the interdependence between the water and energy sectors (water–energy nexus), a field that has grown in response to technological advancements. Through a systematic optimization framework, this review critically evaluates the integration of various technologies within IWEMGs, encompassing infrastructure, management, and strategic planning, while considering economic and social impacts. IWEMGs incorporate diverse technologies for the infrastructure, management, and strategic planning of water and energy resources, integrating economic and social considerations to inform decisions that affect both immediate and long-term sustainability and reliability. This article presents an exhaustive review of the literature on IWEMG management, employing an approach that synthesizes existing studies to enhance the understanding of strategic IWEMG management and planning. It introduces a structured taxonomy for organizing research trends and tackling unresolved challenges within the field. Notably, the review identifies critical gaps, such as the lack of comprehensive data on water demand in isolated locations, and underscores the emerging role of game theory and machine learning in enriching IWEMG management frameworks. Ultimately, this review outlines essential indicators for forthcoming research, focusing on the optimization, management, and strategic planning of IWEMG resources and infrastructure, thereby setting a direction for future technological and methodological advancements in the field.