Applying the “matching law” optimization approach to promote the sustainable use of resources in the water-energy-food nexus

Abstract

The study of the water-energy-food nexus is crucial to face the challenges in terms of access, production, and proper management of resources. This work presents an optimization model for the water-energy-food nexus considering economic incentives to promote the efficient use of unconventional forms of water, such as desalinated and reclaimed water, as well as the treatment of contaminated water; renewable forms of energy such as solar, biomass and biogas from municipal waste incineration and food production. Likewise, the matching law approach is included, which helps to quantify the choice preference among the available options. The state of Sonora in Mexico was chosen as a case study since it presents uneven biodiversity and distribution of its resources as well as significant economic activities, which in turn threaten resource security. The objective functions are the minimum freshwater, costs and emissions. The results show that there is a reduction in water consumption of 18.51 % in the case when an incentive scheme is considered compared with the scenario where no incentive scheme is involved. Furthermore, the cost of the system improved by 33.07 % and a reduction of 4.94 % in CO2 emissions is achieved. Based on the results, it is observed that by economically incentivizing unconventional forms of resources, their preference is increased and the values of the objective functions are also improved. The proposed framework can be used to analyze the interrelationships that exist between the water-energy-food nexus, the economic incentives and the preferences of those involved, as well as how they affect the entire system. Finally, it is possible to modify the behavior of water-energy-food systems by varying the proposed incentives and penalties.