Energy Development Plan Research Articles

An Expert Elicitation of Public Acceptance of Renewable Energy in Kenya

This article reports evidence for substantial public support for the large-scale deployment of three renewable energy options in Kenya: Wind, solar PV, and geothermal energy. With these renewable technologies, the government of Kenya could make a large contribution to reaching its national commitment under the Paris Agreement. Prices, infrastructural needs, and land-use requirements importantly contribute to shaping public opinion about these renewable energy alternatives, in different ways and directions for wind, PV, and geothermal energy. While overall the evaluation of these technologies is positive, public authorities should be wary of the possible inconveniences and drawbacks associated with them. Anticipating and, where possible, mitigating these shortcomings in national climate and energy development plans could preclude some of them becoming possible hindrances for broad-scale adoption of wind, PV, and geothermal energy. Furthering quantitative public acceptance studies, like the one presented here based on (semi-)expert elicitation and information-choice questionnaires, can assist in Kenya fully reaching its national climate and energy ambitions. More generally, we argue that the establishment of affordable, clean, and secure energy systems, as well as the mitigation of global climate change, can benefit from stakeholder engagement and public survey analysis like the one performed in our study—in developing countries as much as in the developed part of the world.

Effect of Catalyst Loading on the Degradation of d-PtCo/C Cathode Catalyst

The Consortium for Fuel Cell Performance and Durability (FC-PAD) was formed by the U.S. Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies office (FCTO) in 2015 to improve the understanding of performance and durability issues in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and to help meet the DOE 2020 targets. This talk will summarize some of the durability work performed within the consortium on commercial dealloyed-PtCo/C catalyst-based membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Commercial MEAs using Nafion®HP membranes, ElystPt300670 (30wt.%PtCo/high surface area C) cathode catalyst, and ElystPt200380 (20wt.%Pt/Graphitized carbon) anode catalyst were obtained from Umicore. The MEAs were assembled in a 5cm2differential cell reported by D. R. Baker et al.1and conditioned extensively before performing beginning of life (BOL) characterization. The conditioning protocol included a recovery step where the cell was operated at high RH and low temperatures and voltages to flush out impurities and maximize the performance.2,3The samples were then subjected to the DOE-recommended square wave catalyst accelerated stress test (AST) which is a 3 sec hold at 0.6V and 3 sec hold at 0.95V at 80oC and 100%RH.4Characterizations were performed after 15,000 and 30,000 cycles of the AST with the recovery protocol applied to the MEA before characterization. Electrochemical characterization included mass activity, electrochemical surface area, polarization curves, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and oxygen transport measurements. The BOL and end-of-test catalysts were also characterized by electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering to determine particle size and Pt to Co content. The oxygen reduction reaction mass activity, electrochemical surface area, and performance in the kinetic region of the catalysts degrade with AST cycling. This loss can be attributed to both Co leaching from the catalyst and catalyst particle size increase. The effect of this degradation was most pronounced in the high current region for the MEA with low Pt loading. For example, in Figure 1, the voltage loss at 1A/cm2after 30,000 AST cycles is ~50mV for the 0.15mgPt/cm2MEA and ~200mV for the 0.05mgPt/cm2MEA. This is primarily due to increases in the pressure-independent oxygen transport resistance. The non-Fickian oxygen transport resistance of low-loaded (0.05 mgPt/cm2) MEAs is significantly larger than those of the high-loaded MEAs even at BOL and worsens significantly with ageing of the catalyst. EIS experiments in HelOx (21% O2, balance He) also revealed that there was an increase in the pressure-dependent gas transport during the AST cycling. However, little or no change was observed in the ionomer sheet resistance over the course of the durability testing, independent of the catalyst loading. These results will be compared with recent results reported for pure Pt catalyst-based MEAs subjected to similar tests.5In this talk, the analysis of the cathode catalyst composition and morphology before and after the testing will be presented in detail and correlated to the observed performance losses. Acknowledgements This research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Office, through the Fuel Cell Performance and Durability (FC-PAD) Consortium (Fuel Cells Program Manager: Dimitrios Papageorgopoulos and Technical Development Manager: Greg Kleen). References D. R. Baker, D. A. Caulk, K. C. Neyerlin, and M. W. Murphy, J. Electrochem. Soc.,V156(9), B991-B1003 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1149/1.3152226.Zhang, B. A. Litteer, F. D. Coms, and R. Makharia,. J. Electrochem. Soc., V159(7),F287-F293 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1149/2.063207jes.Zhang et al, U.S Patent Application Publication US 2011/0195324 A1, August 11 (2001).United States Department of Energy Fuel Cells Technologies Office Multi-Year Research, Development, and Demonstration Plan. https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/05/f34/fcto_myrdd_fuel_cells.pdf.G. S. Harzer, J. N. Schwammiein, A. M. Damjanovic, S. Ghosh, and H. A. Gasteiger, J. Electrochem. Soc.,V165(6), F3118-F3131 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0161806jes Figure 1

The potential of palm oil production as a pathway to energy security in Thailand

This paper presents an analysis of the potential of palm oil production as a pathway to achieve the objectives of the Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) of Thailand. The current and anticipated demands for domestic edible cooking palm oil consumption in Thailand, along with the demand for other marginal usages, are analyzed using a population-based model, while the palm oil needed to achieve the palm oil-based biodiesel production targets are set in the AEDP. Three scenarios are studied, i.e. base case, and with 10% variations. The anticipated demand for palm oil is transposed to surface areas needed to satisfy the total demand of palm oil. The three major characteristics for the selection of sites consist of topography (slope; elevation above mean sea level), climate (annual mean temperature, rainfall and sunshine hours; orientation), and soil characteristics (presence of clay loam and clay; depth of soil layer). The maps of suitable sites for new potential palm tree plantations are overlaid with the maps of current land use, on which prohibited and constrained zones are specifically excluded. Assuming average yields of 17%, results show that a total area of 17,800 km2 would be necessary for the production of the palm oil to achieve the 2036 AEDP energy objectives, while continuing to supply the necessary edible cooking palm oil and supplying the marginal usages.

Analysis of the development of new energy electric vehicles based on logistic model

Recent research indicates that electric vehicles can greatly ease the problem of environmental pollution caused by fossil fuels. Therefore, based on the development of electric vehicle market in the United States, this paper aims at finding an optimal approach for the conversion of fossil fuels to electricity, in elements of environment, economy, etc. Firstly, a station-building model about the amount of charging stations for the future requirements is established. According to the site-selecting principles, we set the station-building cost optimization model to forecast the number of electric vehicle developments in the next decade. Secondly, we build an optimization model and a logistic model to draw a conclusion that after the emergence of the new technology, there are more charging stations than before. Moreover, the proportion of electric vehicles has reached 100% in advance of five years ahead of the original forecast, which speeds up the construction of charging stations. Lastly, we suggest a series of new energy development plans on account of the serious pollution under the domestic environment.

Cooperation Intensity for Effective Policy Development and Implementation: A Case Study of Thailand’s Alternative Energy Development Plan

This research examined cooperation among core Thai government organizations involved in achieving the energy-from-waste (EFW) targets stipulated in the country’s 2015 Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP). To this end, we used the institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework to illuminate the intricacies of such collaboration, which reflects interactions that flow logically from the decisions and measures taken by actors as they deliberate over relevant situations. Data were obtained mainly from government documents and in-depth interviews with employees of the collaborators that are directly involved in the development and implementation of AEDP 2015. The concept of cooperation intensity was used to inquire into the cooperative interactions of the aforementioned government organizations and analyze the factors and conditions that influence these actors’ decision to work with one another. We focused on the effects of institutions on cooperation under the AEDP policy process. To strengthen the novelty of this work, we categorized cooperation intensity into five levels, which can serve as guidance in the evaluation and improvement of collaborative endeavors. These levels are reflected in collaboration through (1) the pursuit of common goals and mutual benefits, (2) the pooling of resources, (3) the sharing of responsibilities, (4) the synchronization of activities, and (5) the monitoring of partners. Using the proposed cooperation intensity levels, we identified the following causes of ineffective cooperation: Differences in perceptions of problems related to municipal solid waste (MSW) and the prioritization of solutions put forward by the individual actors; the actors’ commitment to different solutions; the inconsistency among responsibilities, actions, and control over the expected outcomes of the actors; the failure of the actors to clarify and synchronize related and duplicate policy activities; and the unwillingness of the actors to undergo checking and monitoring. Overcoming these problems necessitates the enhancement of communication, which would reinforce cooperation given that effective communication leads to perfect information and an improved understanding of other actors.

Assessment of Selected Biomass Energy Potential in Afghanistan

Biomass plays a major role in satisfying the energy needs of Afghanistan, especially in the residential sector where fuel demand is primarily met in the form of fuelwood, charcoal, crop residues and animal manure. Till now, enough work has not been undertaken to assess the biomass energy potential in the country to support renewable energy development plans and more sustainable use of biomass resources. This paper is limited to the assessment of biomass energy potential from the following resources: (A) forest fuelwood and charcoal, (B) crop residues (wheat, rice, barley and maize residues) and (C) cattle manure for the years 2012-13 and 2013-14. The study assesses a total biomass energy potential of 97,310 TJ during the period 2012-13 and 99,012 TJ during the period 2013-14. It is observed that only about 52% of the estimated biomass energy potential is being exploited. The estimated energy potential of the selected biomass could contribute up to 69% in the primary energy consumption of Afghanistan (140,966 TJ) during the year 2012-13.

Assessment of Selected Biomass Energy Potential in Afghanistan

Biomass plays a major role in satisfying the energy needs of Afghanistan, especially in the residential sector where fuel demand is primarily met in the form of fuelwood, charcoal, crop residues and animal manure. Till now, enough work has not been undertaken to assess the biomass energy potential in the country to support renewable energy development plans and more sustainable use of biomass resources. This paper is limited to the assessment of biomass energy potential from the following resources: (A) forest fuelwood and charcoal, (B) crop residues (wheat, rice, barley and maize residues) and (C) cattle manure for the years 2012-13 and 2013-14. The study assesses a total biomass energy potential of 97,310 TJ during the period 2012-13 and 99,012 TJ during the period 2013-14. It is observed that only about 52% of the estimated biomass energy potential is being exploited. The estimated energy potential of the selected biomass could contribute up to 69% in the primary energy consumption of Afghanistan (140,966 TJ) during the year 2012-13.

Challenges of Energy Efficiency Promoting Policy in Thailand

Energy efficiency enhancement is well recognized worldwide as the efficient measures to deal with energy-related challenges, which are economic growth and development, energy security, and climate change. For Thailand to accelerate energy efficiency implementation, the energy development plan is set to meet the national targets including the Energy Efficiency Plan target and to achieve the Greenhouse Gas emission reduction target. In many countries, financing energy efficiency promoting policy is critically important strategy to provide financial incentive for mitigating clean energy investment barrier. For long-term public support, there is an emerging body of evidence on the on-going practice and performance of the financial incentive programs, which offers an opportunity to improve our understanding of the energy efficiency promoting policy. This study reviewed the latest situation of three energy efficiency financial incentive programs that governed by Department of Alternative Energy Development and Energy Efficiency (DEDE), which are (1) Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund (EERF), (2) Energy Service Company Revolving Fund (ESCO Fund), (3) DEDE Demand Side Management Bidding (DSM Bidding). The study aims to examine the positive and negative challenges posed by existing policies that need to be overcome and to identify the opportunities for policy improvement to more effectively promote energy efficiency implementation. EERF and DSM Bidding are suitably designed for large company who has strong financial capacity. ESCO Fund is well-designed for low collateral capacity company. EE measures under EERF are mostly well-known technologies that are proven generating energy savings. ESCO Fund is suitable for promoting new technologies according to project-based analysing basis. DSM Bidding can be designed for wide-range EE measures from simple to complex measures. However, there are some main challenges that can be improved, i.e., technical and financial risks bearing by customers from EERF, default projects risk taken by government and insufficient to encourage EE investment of low interest rate from ESCO Fund, and expanding to support more for complex technology instead of only well-known technology for DSM Bidding.

The Economic Effects of the Development of the Renewable Energy Industry in China

It is believed that renewable energy may become a dominant energy in the future. However, whether renewable energy can promote industry development like the use of fossil energy is still unknown. This paper uses social accounting matrix (SAM) multiplier model to analyze the economic effects of renewable and coal energy in China. The transmission mechanisms of renewable and coal energy on production factors are also compared from the perspective of sector industry chain based on the structural path analysis (SPA) analysis method. We found that; renewable energy plays a stronger role in promoting the national economy than coal energy. Meanwhile, renewable energy can better promote the upgrading of the industrial structure compared with coal energy. Additionally, renewable energy affects economic development, mainly through the intermediate industries such as electrical machinery manufacturing and transportation, warehousing and service industries. These findings provide further insights into the influence path of renewable energy, which yields important implications for reasonably designing and choosing new energy development planning.

Research on Comprehensive Benefit Post Evaluation of Photovoltaic Poverty Alleviation Projects Based on FCM and SVM

Photovoltaic (PV) Poverty Alleviation makes full use of the solar energy in poverty-stricken areas so as to achieve sTable incomes increase for the poor households for 25 years. It is an advanced mode integrating new energy development, emission reduction and accurate poverty alleviation. Post evaluation of PV poverty alleviation project is of great guiding significance for new energy development planning, poverty alleviation promoting and construction and operation of PV power stations. Under the guidance of the practical experience of PV poverty alleviation in Jiangxi province, China, this paper firstly builds a comprehensive evaluation index system with 7 second-level targets based on the post evaluation theory. Then, considering that projects with different sizes, construction and operation mode have different features in the evaluation, this paper uses pattern recognition method based on fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm and support vector machine to classify the projects. Then comparative analysis is carried out within each class to achieve comprehensive benefits evaluation. The method can reduce the information loss of multi-index weighted aggregation of traditional post evaluation methods. The features of PV poverty alleviation projects are highlighted to help to find the weak points of the projects. So the evaluation results are more scientific and reasonable.

A Novel Adaptive Intelligent Ensemble Model for Forecasting Primary Energy Demand

Effectively forecasting energy demand and energy structure helps energy planning departments formulate energy development plans and react to the opportunities and challenges in changing energy demands. In view of the fact that the rolling grey model (RGM) can weaken the randomness of small samples and better present their characteristics, as well as support vector regression (SVR) having good generalization, we propose an ensemble model based on RGM and SVR. Then, the inertia weight of particle swarm optimization (PSO) is adjusted to improve the global search ability of PSO, and the improved PSO algorithm (APSO) is used to assign the adaptive weight to the ensemble model. Finally, in order to solve the problem of accurately predicting the time-series of primary energy consumption, an adaptive inertial weight ensemble model (APSO-RGM-SVR) based on RGM and SVR is constructed. The proposed model can show higher prediction accuracy and better generalization in theory. Experimental results also revealed outperformance of APSO-RGM-SVR compared to single models and unoptimized ensemble models by about 85% and 32%, respectively. In addition, this paper used this new model to forecast China’s primary energy demand and energy structure.

Justice, social exclusion and indigenous opposition: A case study of wind energy development on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico

The southern Isthmus of Tehuantepec is one of the windiest places on Earth and the scene of a large-scale wind energy development plan conceived by the Mexican government in conjunction with multinational companies. We analyze the national wind energy development policy, and the negotiation processes, alliances and popular local indigenous resistance created by what is known as the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Wind Energy Megaproject. We observe how the Mexican government, in its eagerness to grant control of regional wind energy resources to private sector companies, generated social schisms and conflicts in regional indigenous communities. These arose largely due to the absence of land use planning rules and conflict resolution mechanisms of the property rights issued for communal and social control, heritage of the Mexican revolution in the 1910’s. We describe recent government initiatives implemented in response to this dynamic and aimed at reviving construction of a wind farm previously blocked by popular indigenous protests. This unsuccessful attempt exposed a lack of institutional interest in guaranteeing local involvement in project planning and in correcting existing top-down political and operation practices. Wind energy development in Mexico resembles an extractive model, with no consideration of local cultures or organizations, or the potential for joint ventures with local stakeholders that would treat rural indigenous populations as assets in the national energy transition, begun in 2007 for wind private projects in the region.

Macroeconomic modeling for assessing sustainability of bioethanol production in Thailand

The development of bioethanol can bring about socio-economic and environmental impacts. To support the sustainability analysis of bioethanol development and the decision-making on bioethanol promotion in Thailand, this study aims at assessing the socio-economic and environmental effects of bioethanol production using recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling. The assessment is carried out based on the bioethanol production targets in Thailand’s Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) 2015, capturing cassava ethanol and molasses ethanol. Simulation scenarios are set up to incorporate the role of bioethanol support policies, such as tax reduction, production efficiency improvement, and widening the price gap between gasoline and gasohol, into the analysis. The results show that increasing bioethanol production together with improving the efficiency of feedstock cultivation is the most efficient way to enhance economic growth. However, the higher production and consumption would also lead to more irrigation water demand and air emissions. The presentation of bioethanol support policies’ role in promoting bioethanol along with widespread socio-economic and environmental effects focus are novel. Not only are the results useful for the decision-making towards sustainable bioethanol development, the methods presented in this study should also be a guideline for other socio-economic and environmental impact assessment schemes.

Framework for Green School Model Development in Malaysia

In parallel to global modernization especially in developing country like Malaysia, the urging for energy consumption conservation unwaveringly increases. The initiative of implementing the green building concept and practices is being developed to promote the sustainable development of global society at many levels. Green school model is among the initiatives being explored in this paper. In Malaysia, currently there is no significant studies or guidelines have been developed for green school model development. Thus, the aim of this paper is to review and analyze the requirement for green school model establishment which ultimately will act as a guideline for the implementation of green school model in Malaysia. To achieve this, study on general rules adopted to assess the green school model development by various countries is ventured. In particular, the focus is based on the energy efficiency, water efficiency, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting efficiency, visual health, acoustics, and space utilization. The challenges for the development of green school model in Malaysia is also highlighted. Detailed review on the recent Malaysia’s policies and energy development plan is presented. The outcome of this study is a framework for green school model development in Malaysia addressing one of the prime key subject which is the lighting efficiency and its impact towards students’ performance.

Delphi-based prioritization of economic criteria for development of wave and tidal energy technologies

Harness of wave and tidal energies can play an important role in the future energy portfolios to ensure the energy security and to reach the low-carbon energy development plans. However, despite the existence of adequate resources of these energies through the world, they have not been well exploited yet. This study has focused on the assessment of the economic criteria and their relative importance for the development of the wave and tidal energy technologies based on the experts' judgment. To this end, the expert elicitation process was performed using the Delphi methodology. 5 main criteria and 29 sub-criteria were initially identified through a comprehensive literature review. During two rounds of Delphi questionnaires, the degree of importance and the degree of consensus values were identified for each individual parameter. According to the results achieved, selling the energy produced and tax incentives were rated as the most important factors with the highest degrees of consensus. While quotas and tenders were not identified by the experts participated in the survey with high importance on the development of wave and tidal energies although with low degrees of consensus.

Energy development in Vietnam's Mekong river delta: a 'green' or 'grey' outlook?

The Vietnamese Mekong river delta (MD) is recognised as the biggest agriculture and aquaculture region of Vietnam. The MD plays an important role in ensuring food security for the country. The MD also has many sensitive ecosystems reliant on the ecology of the Mekong river basin. However, during the last decade, many electricity generation plants, both renewable and non-renewable power projects, have been built and some will be built in the near future in the MD. These energy plants' construction and operation may prove to be a challenge to the national energy strategy. This paper is a monograph review of two sides of energy sector industrialisation in the MD with a focus on 'green' and 'grey' socio-economic development (as 'xanh' and 'xam' in Vietnamese respectively). 'Green' energy is understood as the electricity generated from inexhaustible sources and known as renewable energy. It emits fewer greenhouse gases and causes less harm to habitats in comparison to traditional fossil fuels and hydropower. 'Grey' energy is another word for non-renewable energy or polluting energy, which can have negative effects on human health, environment, and climate. This paper finds that the MD's energy development plans at present might not be as 'green' as expected, due to more 'grey' power plans in the planning pipeline. This paper also considers an outlook on energy prices and impacts on long-term sustainable development of the MD.

Current Emissions and Future Mitigation Pathways of Coal-Fired Power Plants in China from 2010 to 2030.

As the largest energy infrastructure in China, the power sector consumed approximately half of China's coal over the past decade and threatened air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement targets. In this work, we assessed the evolution of coal-fired power plants and associated emissions in China during 2010-2030 by using a unit-based emission projection model, which integrated the historical power plant information, turnover of the future power plant fleet, and evolution of end-of-pipe control technologies. We found that, driven by stringent environmental legislation, SO2, NO x, and PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter) emissions from coal-fired power plants decreased by 49%, 45%, and 24%, respectively, during 2010-2015, compared to 15% increase in CO2 emissions. In contrast to ever-increasing CO2 emissions until 2030 under current energy development planning, we found that aggressive energy development planning could curb CO2 emissions from the peak before 2030. Owing to the implementation of a "near zero" emission control policy, we projected emissions of air pollutants will significantly decrease during 2016-2030. Early retirement of small and low-efficiency power plants would further reduce air pollutants and CO2 emissions. Our study explored various mitigation pathways for China's coal-fired power plants, which could reduce coal consumption, air pollutants, and CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Marine renewable energy potential: A global perspective for offshore wind and wave exploitation

The global development of the offshore renewable energy sector has been driven by extensive investment and research in the utilization of offshore renewable energies, mainly at the regional level. However, for mid to long-term marine energy development planning, a comprehensive assessment of the global potential for the exploitation of the main offshore resources is required. This work developed and implemented an innovative methodological approach to identify potential zones for wind and wave energy exploitation at the global level, using long-term data series with fine spatial and temporal resolution. The proposed methodology was based on a five-step approach comprised of: (i) a resource assessment, to identify the zones with favorable conditions for energy exploitation; (ii) a structural survivability assessment, to identify feasible areas which would likely ensure the integrity and durability of the wind and wave devices; (iii) a logistics assessment, to evaluate the possibility of carrying out installation, operations, and maintenance activities; (iv) an assessment of the distance to consumer centers, to estimate the feasibility of transmission to the main urban areas; and (v) an estimate of the extractable power of the identified potential zones. For wind power, the United Kingdom (with 1470 TWh/month using a 10-MW turbine) and the United States (1079 TWh/month) were the countries with the highest estimated energy output of the identified potential zones. For wave energy, Brazil and New Zealand presented good opportunities for the development of the wave energy industry, with an estimated extractable power of 372 TWh/month and 286 TWh/month, respectively. The unique preliminary global analysis presented in this work provides guidelines to assist in the development of wave and offshore wind industries, in addition to supporting the management of marine spaces. Moreover, the methodologies can be replicated for other marine activities.

Organizational and Systemic Policy Capacity of Government Organizations Involved in Energy-From-Waste (EFW) Development in Thailand

This article studies the challenges of Thai energy-from-waste (EFW) development from an institutional perspective. Policy capacity, described as conditions for effective policy development and implementation, of the main government organizations involved in EFW development under the Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) 2015 is examined. Adopting the variables used under the institutional analytical and development (IAD) approach, we modified the analytical framework for policy capacity by categorizing factors contributing to policy capacity into elements (skills, resources, and process) that affect the decisions and actions of actors of government organizations. Then, the results from the in-depth interview were interpreted through a modified analytical framework to examine policy capacity at the organizational and systemic level of government organizations involved in EFW development. We believe that a modified analytical framework for policy capacity is compatible with the IAD approach and can facilitate the utilization of policy capacity for further analysis under the IAD approach. Moreover, the modified framework can encourage a better understanding of current policy capacity and its impacts on other organizations, since an organization values its own policy capacity and others’ policy capacity differently. Consequently, this understanding can benefit the improvement of cooperation among Thai government organizations involved in EFW development.

Scenario analysis of low-carbon development of energy industry with restriction of water resource in Xinjiang

Abstract This study empirically analyzes the prospects of the energy industry with the limited water resource in Xinjiang by extending an energy economic model. First, the past trends of water use in Xinjiang are analyzed. Energy utilization and industrial added value by sector are also investigated. Then, several important parameters such as economic growth rate, water saving rate, and energy saving rate are set exogenously. Especially, coal exploitation and utilization are selected as a typical case for studying energy development plan and technology choice. By keeping within the water requirement ‘red line’ and water security strategy, the acceptable speed and the future scale of the energy industry in Xinjiang are selected among several scenarios. Moreover, the interactions of economic growth, energy development, energy consumption, water requirement, and carbon dioxide emissions in Xinjiang are also analyzed. Finally, the technology choice of coal exploitation and utilization in Xinjiang with restriction of limited water resource is also suggested.