China’s water-energy nexus: Assessment of water-related energy use

Abstract

The water-related energy consumption is one of the core concepts in water-energy nexus, yet the classification and estimation values of its numerous branches have not been well documented in China. To address this gap, this paper sorted out water-related energy use processes after setting forth the implication and boundary of water activities, and then calculated their detailed energy flows. The results showed that the total energy consumed by China’s water sector was about 732 million GJ in 2015, accounting for 0.6% of the national energy consumption. The electricity power is the basic power source for water processes and the electricity consumed by water sector accounts for 3.4% of the total electricity consumption in China. From the perspective of different water activities: 54% of the energy consumption was attributed to raw freshwater collection, extraction and conveyance activities, 41% of the energy used in water treatment, distribution and wastewater treatment while the water resource construction activities occupied the remaining 5%. The analysis suggested that the energy consumption has not become a major restricting factor to water sector on national scale, while heavy energy burdens were likely to lower the current and future effectiveness of certain water projects or policies.