Sustainable Management of the Electrical-Energy–Water–Food Nexus Using Robust Optimization

Morteza Ahangari Hassas,Amin Safari,Behnam Mohammadi-Ivatloo,Navid Taghizadegan Kalantari

doi:10.3390/su14010172

Morteza Ahangari Hassas, Amin Safari + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010172

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Abstract

The significance of the security of electrical energy, water, and food resources in the future, which are inextricably connected, has led to increasing attention to this important issue in studies. This is an issue inattention to which can have irreparable consequences in the future. One of the sectors where electrical energy, water, and food are very closely associated is agriculture. Undoubtedly, the ability to properly manage electrical energy, hydropower, and food resources that have many uncertainties brings about the development of agriculture on the one hand and the optimal allocation of electrical energy, water, and land resources on the other. Thus, while reaching the highest economic profit, the greenhouse gas emissions reach the minimum possible value too. In this study, via robust optimization and by precisely considering the existing uncertainties, a model was developed for the optimal allocation of electrical energy, water, and land resources for a region in the north of China. In addition to acknowledging the close relationship between electrical energy, water, and food sources, the results show the method’s effectiveness for sustainable management in agriculture.

Highlights

According to the estimations carried out, the need for electrical energy, water, and food will increase by 50% over the 25 years because of factors like the growth of industry and urban development, the growing population, and so on [1,2,3]
As stated in the previous sections, a model was developed for the optimal allocation of electrical energy, water, and land resources in this study using robust optimization and
This study developed a model for a region in northern China using robust optimization by considering existing uncertainties in order to optimally allocate electrical energy, water, and earth resources

Summary

Introduction

According to the estimations carried out, the need for electrical energy, water, and food will increase by 50% over the 25 years because of factors like the growth of industry and urban development, the growing population, and so on [1,2,3]. A significant portion of the world’s freshwater resources are used in agriculture and for food production: 30%. Of the world’s electrical energy and 90% of freshwater resources are used to produce and distribute food [4,5,6]. Access to freshwater sources and electrical energy has a direct and very large effect on food production. Electrical energy, water resources, and food are closely related. Having enough water has a huge effect on the availability of electrical energy and food.

Methods

Results

Conclusion