Electricity Production Research Articles

Photovoltaics Energy Potential in the Largest Greek Cities: Atmospheric and Urban Fabric Effects, Climatic Trends Influences and Socio-Economic Benefits

This comprehensive study explores the influence of aerosols and clouds on solar radiation in the urban environments of nine of Greece’s largest cities over the decade from 2014 to 2023. Utilizing a combination of Earth Observation data, radiative transfer models, and geographic information systems, the research undertook digital surface modeling and photovoltaic simulations. The study meticulously calculated the optimal rooftop areas for photovoltaic installation in these cities, contributing significantly to their energy adequacy and achieving a balance between daily electricity production and demand. Moreover, the research provides an in-depth analysis of energy and economic losses, while also highlighting the environmental benefits. These include a reduction in pollutant emissions and a decrease in the carbon footprint, aligning with the global shift towards local energy security and the transformation of urban areas into green, smart cities. The innovative methodology of this study, which leverages open access data, sets a strong foundation for future research in this field. It opens up possibilities for similar studies and has the potential to contribute to the creation of an updated, comprehensive solar potential map for continental Greece. This could be instrumental in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, thereby promoting sustainable urban development and environmental preservation.

Role of primary drivers leading to emission reduction of major air pollutants and CO2 from global power plants

Electricity production is a significant source of air pollution. Various factors, including electricity demand, generation efficiency, energy mix, and end-of-pipe control measures, are responsible for the emission changes during electricity generation. Although electricity production more than doubled from 1990 to 2017, air pollutant emissions showed a moderate increase or decrease, which was attributed to mitigating drivers such as increased clean energy use, improved power generation efficiency, and widespread installation of end-of-pipe control facilities. The absence of these mitigating drivers would have increased CO2, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon, SO2, and NOx emissions in 2017 by 165 %, 403 %, 1070 %, 614 %, and 274 % than their actual levels, respectively. The improved electricity generation efficiency reduced potential CO2, PM2.5, SO2, and NOx emissions by 30 %, 295 %, 119 %, and 52 % compared to actual emissions, respectively. Meanwhile, the installation of end-of-pipe facilities reduced potential SO2 and PM2.5 emissions by 34.7 and 4.0 Tg, respectively. Considerable differences in emissions among countries were found to be attributable to their differences in electricity demand and the implementation of local mitigating polices.

Life cycle assesment on water treatment: Case study in Cau Do water treatment plant – Da Nang city - VietNam

Abstract Production, transportation, use, and disposal consumes resources, energy, and chemicals and causes emissions and waste, contributing to various impacts on the environment, such as heat, global warming, and acidification. Applying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method can identify environmental impacts, to have solutions to control energy use and reduce waste. Research applied at Cau Do water supply plant - Da Nang city with an exploitation flow of 290,000 m3/day shows the results that the plant’s water treatment system has impacts within the allowable limits for with the geological environment in the area, but exploitation requires strict assessment to prevent possible unusual impacts. Assess the environmental impact of using electricity and chemicals in the system by estimating CO2 emissions from the electricity and chemical production process, which indirectly contribute to global warming. Direct sources of greenhouse gases come from the treatment of sludge and wastewater. The impacts discussed in this study are Global Warming, Acidification, depletion of fossil resources and Water Consumption. The amount of electricity consumed at Cau Do plant in 2018 was 16,742,752 kWh/year. The results of the analysis using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, show that the largest impact on the environment is Water Consumption 1.101 m3/m3 clean water, followed by Global Warming 0.158 kg CO2 eq/m3 Acidification 1.06 × 10−3 kg SO2 eq/m3.

Analysis of the PV/T system for electricity and hot water production

Analysis of the PV/T system for electricity and hot water production

Future scenario generation and reduction methods for solar photovoltaic electricity production analysis

Abstract A morphing-clustering-based method of generation and reduction future scenario for solar photovoltaic electricity production analysis is studied. Present historical annual weather data are transformed into future scenarios and timeframes by a morphing method with a general circulation model. The Copula methodology is applied to model the forthcoming decade’s annual meteorological data and generate abundant intra-day hourly scenario samples. The comparative analysis of the photovoltaic power output variations between future and present in reduction typical scenarios is conducted by the K-means clustering method with appropriate clustering parameter optimization. The simulation results show that the annual mean variations in global horizontal radiation, dry bulb temperature, and wind speed are projected to increase by approximately from 20.1 to 36.5 W/m2, 1.6 to 2.3°C, and 0.1 to 0.6 m/s, respectively in the forthcoming scenario of shared socioeconomic pathways 2-4.5. It is seen that solar photovoltaic electricity production anticipates a positive increase from 2.5% to 17.9%.

Exergy, exergoeconomic optimization and exergoenvironmental analysis of a hybrid solar, wind, and marine energy power system: A strategy for carbon-free electrical production

In this research, aligned with global policies aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from traditional power plants, we developed a holistic energy system utilizing solar, wind, and ocean thermal energy sources, tailored to regions optimal for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). The selected site, characterized by favorable wind and solar conditions close to areas with high OTEC potential, is designed to meet the electricity needs of a coastal community. The system's core components include an Organic Rankine Cycle, turbines, thermoelectric elements, pumps, a heat exchanger, a wind turbine, and a solar collector. A detailed system analysis and thermodynamic evaluation based on thermodynamic principles were carried out using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software. Key factors such as wind speed, solar radiation, and collector area were critical in determining system performance. To enhance the system's effectiveness, we conducted a comprehensive comparison of optimization algorithms, incorporating the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) and utilizing a Pareto front for value optimization. This approach significantly outperformed other algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Simulated Annealing (SA) in terms of system efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The developed system achieved an exergy efficiency of 14.46 % and a cost rate of $74.98 per hour, demonstrating its suitability for its intended functions. Moreover, exergoenvironmental evaluation was conducted for the proposed plant. The findings revealed that key component HEX has a high exergoenvironmental factor due to their use of hot water, which has zero unit exergoenvironmental impact. Additionally, pumps demonstrated a zero exergoenvironmental impact factor, indicating negligible component-related environmental impacts. Sensitivity analysis further evaluated critical performance parameters, revealing that increases in solar irradiation lead to decreased total system cost rates, while higher turbine temperatures resulted in a remarkable 14.08 % reduction in the system's cost rate. These results underscore the economic viability of operating the system at higher temperatures and strengthen the argument for its adoption from a financial perspective.

CFD modelling and analysis of a radial ORC turbine with backswept rotor blades

Abstract Global electricity demand has steadily risen over the past five decades due to increased industrialization and improved accessibility worldwide. Addressing this escalating demand requires expanding electricity production, achievable through adopting renewable energy sources or enhancing production efficiency. Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power systems offer a promising solution for efficient electricity generation by utilizing organic fluids with lower critical parameters. Unlike conventional steam power plants, ORC systems operate at lower temperatures, making them adaptable to various applications. The efficiency of ORC power systems heavily relies on the design and performance of their turbines. This study focuses on modelling and analyzing the ORC turbine using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, specifically employing a radial-inflow design with backswept rotor blades. Geometric parameters were derived from a simplified zero-dimensional (0-D) turbine model developed in MATLAB. CFD modelling was conducted using ANSYS software, integrating the BladeGen module for turbine geometry generation and the TurboGrid toolbox for mesh creation. Comparative analysis with the 0-D design method validated the accuracy of the CFD turbine modelling and the achievement of desired operational parameters. This research underscores the potential of CFD techniques in optimizing ORC turbine design thus allowing to achieve efficient electricity generation, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.

Energy structure optimization of shandong province by 2035 under double carbon goal

Abstract In this paper, based on the existing population size, economic development level, industrial structure, current status of energy production and consumption, and current status of electricity production and consumption in Shandong Province, the LEAP-Shandong model was constructed by using the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) model as a research tool, which is used to forecast the population size, GDP, energy consumption, and electricity structure of different industries in Shandong Province up to 2035 under three scenarios: policy development scenario, energy efficiency improvement scenario, and enhanced low-carbon scenario. The result shows that the population of Shandong province is expected to peak at 10, 426, 000 by 2033, and then slowly decline; in the enhanced low-carbon scenario, with an appropriate slowdown in economic development, further optimization of industrial structure and enhancement of energy efficiency can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the terminal energy-using sector in Shandong province. Based on the results, the main recommendations for Shandong’s energy development are as follows: to build a low-carbon industrial system in Shandong in light of new development opportunities; to build a new energy development system in light of Shandong’s energy characteristics; and to promote the low-carbon transformation of Shandong’s energy in light of the new model of the energy industry.

Optimizing public space design through odd-even policy: Reducing traffic congestion and pollution in DKI Jakarta

Background: The Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta issued Governor Regulation No. 155 of 2018 and its amendments regarding Traffic Restrictions with the Odd-Even System. This regulation aims to reduce congestion levels on 16 main roads. By decreasing congestion, the expected outcome is a reduction in air pollution levels in DKI Jakarta. However, there is concern that the implementation of Governor Regulation No. 155 of 2018 might lead to an increase in conventional car purchases, as affluent individuals may buy two cars with odd and even license plates. This choice is driven by the continued use of fossil fuel-based energy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Governor Regulation No. 155 of 2018 in reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in DKI Jakarta. Additionally, the study seeks to understand the relationship between the implementation of the odd-even traffic restriction system and electric vehicle sales. Methods: The research was conducted by analyzing secondary data obtained from government agencies and other institutions. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey was administered to individuals active on the 16 main roads where the odd-even policy is enforced. The study also analyzed the purchase levels of electric cars, which is one method for Jakarta residents to avoid fines on odd-even roads. Result: Based on the research findings, Governor Regulation No. 155 of 2018 and its amendments have not yet effectively reduced traffic congestion and air pollution in DKI Jakarta. Conclusion: The increase in electric car purchases potentially introduces new issues, such as the unsustainable management of nickel mines required for electric vehicle battery production. Therefore, other sustainable strategies are needed to address traffic congestion and air pollution. Novelty/Originality of the study: This study shows that Governor Regulation No. 155 of 2018 has yet to reduce congestion and air pollution in DKI Jakarta effectively. In addition, the increase in the purchase of electric cars as a solution to avoid fines has raised new problems related to the environmental impact of electric vehicle battery production.

Optimizing domestic energy management with a wild Mice colony-inspired algorithm: Enhancing efficiency and coordination in smart grids through dynamic distributed energy storage

Energy management (EM) is a critical strategy that spans the production and consumption of electricity, enhancing the stability of the electricity network. Smart grid technology significantly improves the electrical system's energy efficiency (EE), facilitating a transformation from a conventional power grid (PG) to a smart PG. This paper presents a key strategy for modeling the EE of the smart grid tailored to domestic demand, establishing smart coordination between domestic demand, energy production, and storage to reduce energy waste and costs. Our model integrates various energy sources, including renewable energy (RE), photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind power, and an energy storage system (ESS), interconnected with the PG. The model's structure ensures the coordinated flow of electricity in a residential house through an optimal control method (OCM). To develop a robust closed-loop control model, we employ Demand Response (DR) schemes within the Real-Time Electricity Pricing (RTEP) framework. We construct a dynamic model of the ESS to compute the System Performance Index (SPI), corresponding to energy costs. To enhance our model, we introduce a Dynamic Distributed Energy Storage Strategy (DDESS). Additionally, we introduce a novel optimization algorithm inspired by the behavioral patterns of wild mice, called the Wild Mice Colony (WMC). By analyzing the targeted and advantageous behaviors of wild mice in colonies, we propose that these behaviors can serve as a model for addressing complex, uncertain problems. This strategy is highly advantageous, capable of reducing total energy consumption (EC) from the main grid by over 100 % of the load demand, optimizing the energy system, and ensuring synchronization. The performance of DDESS optimizes energy flow (EF) during the repayment plan, leading to minimized EC costs from the PG.

Unveiling barriers to the integration of blockchain‐based circular economy and Industry 5.0 in manufacturing industries: A strategic prioritization approach

AbstractAlthough Industry 4.0 plays the role of a catalyst in the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE), some sustainability goals are neglected by prioritizing machines over humans. Industry 5.0 insists on combining technology with human values to achieve sustainable development goals. Therefore, the integration of CE and Industry 5.0 leads to sustainable synergy in various industries, especially in manufacturing industries. However, their integration is always associated with challenges and barriers. This study identifies a set of these barriers in the electric vehicle battery production industry from the financial, technical, supply chain, cultural, and regulatory and processes perspectives through a deep literature review. The fuzzy weighted influence non‐linear gauge system method is used to analyze the relationship between identified barriers and their prioritization. Finally, we leverage the knowledge of four experts from an electric vehicle battery manufacturing company in Southeast Asia to validate the proposed approach and to rank the barriers. The results demonstrate that immature technology providers are the biggest obstacle in the integration of blockchain‐based CE and Industry 5.0 in the electric vehicle battery manufacturing industry.

Increasing variable renewables in coal-based energy systems under high electrification in the transport and heating sectors: The case of Kosovo

The increasing penetration of variable renewables poses major challenges in energy systems with limited flexibility. However, there are many solutions to support variable renewable integration when utilizing potential synergies among the different energy sectors. This research examines the technical and environmental effects of electrifying the transport and heating sectors in a coal-based energy system with limited flexibility, aiming to support the integration of variable renewable energy. Scenario analysis is employed to evaluate the use of heat pumps with thermal storage (power-to-heat) for individual heating solutions, electric vehicles, and Vehicle-to-Grid in the transport sector. These measures are evaluated as the primary means for enhancing the energy system flexibility to accommodate a larger share of variable renewables. Additionally, a dynamic analysis was conducted on thermal power plant operational capacities and efficiencies under varying electrification rates and renewable energy shares. The analysis is developed in the EnergyPLAN model using Kosovo energy system as a case study. The results confirm that the electrification of the heating and transport sectors positively impacts the integration of variable renewable energy by reducing critical excess electricity production and CO2 emissions, while power-to-heat and Vehicle-to-Grid facilitate synergies among different energy sectors. However, scenarios with high shares of variable renewable energy present challenges for the nominal operation of thermal power plants, potentially leading to lower operational efficiencies and slightly higher CO2 emissions compared to scenarios where thermal power plant part-load efficiency remains unchanged.

Thermomechanical analysis of tungsten-copper joints for fusion applications using digital image correlation

The European DEMOnstration Fusion Power Plant DEMO represents a significant milestone in the progression towards sustainable fusion energy and a critical phase between ITER and commercial fusion reactors, aiming to demonstrate sustained net positive electricity production. Thanks to its properties, tungsten is a promising material for divertor armor. Coupled with copper alloys as heatsinks, they offer robust thermal management properties to deal with intense thermomechanical loads and irradiation damage. Understanding the thermomechanical behaviour of tungsten-copper joints during their application is then necessary for divertor design.This study presents experimental analysis on tungsten-copper brazed materials subjected to thermomechanical solicitations to simulate mono-block conditions with heat fluxes expected to reach 20 MW/m2 and so to face potential creep-fatigue failure. The experimental tests were coupled with Digital Image Correlation up to 400 °C to analyse the thermomechanical behaviour of these joints, providing insights into their thermal behaviour, structural integrity, damage accumulation, joint failure and identification of strains required for creep-fatigue assessment using design codes.

Solar energy feasibility for power generation in lower shire districts: A case study of Chikwawa District

Background: Electricity availability is an essential part of both economic and non-economic activities in any country. Malawi being one of the developing nations experiences a lot of challenges both in its economic and non-economic activities due to unlimited levels of electric supply in its country. This inadequacy of limited supply has remained a challenge for a longer period of time to the effect that the country Malawi for a longer period of time has an overwhelming record of blackouts and load shedding. Consequently, this has affected in a negative way the economic activities of this nation such as low productivity in the production of goods and services making livelihood a difficult. Similarly, noneconomic activities such social interactions seem to be challenging due to lack of electricity. In this regard an investigation in determining new innovations towards electricity production remained one of the most important aspects in this county of Malawi. Method: This study was conducted in Chikwawa district, Malawi, to assess the feasibility of solar energy production. The methods used include temporal variability, correlation, trend, and spatial analysis to assess solar radiation, sunshine hours, and their distribution in the area. Result: As a result, the study was established with the purpose to assess feasible regions within the country of Malawi to innovate solar energy production to boost high levels of solar energy production. This study was conducted in the lower shire district and to be specific in Chikwawa district. The objectives of the feasibility in Chikwawa district included; assessing solar radiation and sunshine hours towards solar energy production, the spatial distribution of solar radiation and sunshine hours towards solar energy production, the trend of sunshine and solar radiation towards solar production and at the end to map the areas in Chikwawa District where solar energy production could be harnessed. Through the use of temporal variability, correlation analysis, trend analysis, and spatial analysis, the findings of this investigation established that harnessing solar energy is much more possible in areas of the lower shire which is the among others include Chikwawa district of Malawi as most areas currently in this region has less places with solar energy production but with high availability of solar radiation. Conclusion: For the fact that the findings reveal more feasible places to establish solar energy production, this study recommends commitment by government and private sector to greatly establish solar energy production units in this area whilst focusing on identifying other potential areas where solar energy production can be harnessed in Malawi. In this regard, this exposition has achieved its purpose of fostering renewable energy production through innovating and investing in solar energy production. Novelty/Originality of this study: This detailed spatial and temporal analysis study has identified optimal locations for solar energy production, providing a new approach to renewable energy planning in developing countries.

Impact of Sediment Accumulation in the Operation on Hydro Plant: A Case Study of the Nam Sana Hydropower Plant Lao PDR

The annual electricity production in Laos amounts to $1.98 billion, representing 12.8% of the country's GDP, with hydropower accounting for 80% of the total production. However, the run-of-river hydroelectric power facility has been facing issues with sediment accumulation in its reservoir. This accumulation leads to system inefficiency and corrosion of turbine components. This paper examines the impact of sediment accumulation on electricity productivity, turbine efficiency, and sediment management within the reservoir. The Nam Sana Hydropower Plant (NSN HPP) in Lao PDR serves as the case study, with data collected from 2015 to 2023. The average annual sedimentation volume is 6,459 cubic meters, which is 28.3% of the total reservoir volume, and has been removed using heavy machinery. The proposed method in the study compares monthly production before and after sediment removal, showing a 12.1% increase in production over a 30-day period. As a long-term solution to mitigate sediment accumulation, the construction of a sediment trap is suggested. This trap, with a volume of 4,000 cubic meters, can be installed by NSN HPP before the reservoir, capturing 62% of the average annual sediment accumulation.

Enviro-economic and optimal hybrid energy system: Photovoltaic–biogas–hydro–battery system in rural areas of Pakistan

To satisfy the electricity needs of a village in Tangi, northwest Pakistan, the present research can design and evaluate the environmental and economical aspects of an optimal hybrid photovoltaic-biogas-hydropower-battery energy sustainable system (PV-BG-HP-BESS). This framework integrates various renewable energy sources, delivering a modern, efficient approach to sustainable energy solutions. The HOMER Pro software is utilized to optimize the most economical and effective hybrid energy system. The results showed that the proposed hybrid system comprising 91.4 kWp PV modules, 19.6 kW hydropower, a 50 kW biogas generator (BG), 36 batteries, and a 60.6 kW converter was the most economical choice. This system, which used the cyclic charging (CC) method, had a cost of energy (COE) of 0.0728 $/kWh and a total net present cost (NPC) of $152,242. The suggested hybrid energy system for rural areas of Pakistan includes photovoltaic (PV), biogas (BG), hydro, and battery components to provide a dependable and sustainable power supply. This system minimizes the need for expensive fossil fuels while simultaneously minimizing environmental impact by lowering pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. The system's annual electricity production is 294,782 kWh, with PV leads at 59.4%, BG at 6.02%, and hydro at 34.6%, ensuring uninterrupted power generation even in remote areas. The unmet load, extra electricity, and capacity shortage illustrate the reliability of the system and make it possible to address rural electrification challenges while supporting sustainable development and economic growth. Moreover, the outcomes of the proposed hybrid system dominate the previous studies in multiple objectives, including cost and sensitivity analysis, when compared.

CO2 emission reduction by geothermal-driven CCHP tailored with turbine bleeding and regeneration CHP; economic/multi-aspect comparative analysis with GA-based optimization

The current research compares a geothermal-driven combined cooling, heating, and power generation cycle (B–CCHP) and a modified version using turbine bleeding and regeneration process named the TBR-CCHP cycle. These cycles incorporate organic Rankine systems, an ejector cooling system, and a heat pump system. The procedure of this study entails (i) introduction of an innovative CCHP setup, (ii) structural modification of the devised cycle, (iii) evaluation based on thermodynamic laws, (iv) optimization through GA, (v) sensitivity (vi) evaluation of the design parameters, Profitability assessment. The results indicate that the TBR-CCHP system achieves the most significant energy and exergy efficiencies with values of 87.83 % and 70.29 %, respectively. The system demonstrates heating load, cooling load, net electricity production, and total exergy destruction values of 80.38 kW, 24.26 kW, 34.44 kW, and 22.32 kW, respectively. Through optimization using genetic algorithm, improvements in energetic efficiency, exergetic efficiency, and overall energy destruction of 7.93 %, 25.53 %, and 34.83 % are seen in the B–CCHP system, and 7.37 %, 19.87 %, and 33.43 % in the TBR-CCHP system. The study reveals that in the TBR-CCHP system, the compressor is identified as the primary source of irreversibility, with reduced irreversibility during optimization. A comprehensive examination of critical parameters of the cycles indicates the significance of optimizing the generator pressure. Also, the payback period in the modified system is reduced to 6.72 years compared to the base cycle, which has a value of 8.43 years.

Monthly Hydropower Scheduling of Cascaded Reservoirs Using a Genetic Algorithm with a Simulation Procedure

This study integrates genetic algorithms with simulation programs, applying the genetic algorithm’s (GA) fitness calculation within the simulation to reduce complexity and significantly improve the efficiency of the optimization process. Additionally, the simulation introduces the concept of “Field Leveling” (FL), utilizing a push–pull strategy to explore more space for absorbing and utilizing unnecessary spillage for energy generation, thereby maximizing electricity production and ensuring optimal reservoir scheduling. Two methods are provided, namely the field-leveling genetic algorithms GAFL1 and GAFL2. GAFL1 involves only pushing and does not include a push–pull process; thus, it cannot optimize spillage. On the other hand, GAFL2 implements a complete push–pull strategy, continuously exploring additional space to absorb and utilize unnecessary spillage. Both GAFL1 and GAFL2 achieved reasonable results; specifically, compared to SQP, GAFL1 improved firm yield by 8.3%, spillage increased by 2.2 times, and total energy decreased by 1.2%. GAFL2, building on the basis of GAFL1, effectively reduces spillage under all hydrological conditions without affecting the highest priority of stable output. However, the impact of reducing spillage on energy generation is not consistent; in wet and dry years, reducing spillage increases energy generation. However, in normal years, a reduction in spillage corresponds with decreased energy generation.

Closing the loop: Structural, environmental and regional assessments of industrial symbiosis

Regional symbiosis, based on industrial symbiosis principles, is one possible strategy for managing the environmental impact of human activities and the increasing risks associated with resource availability. An assessment is needed to ensure the benefits of implementing synergies in a region. Current research focuses on the environmental and structural analysis of symbiosis networks but lacks frameworks that consider the benefits of symbiosis at the regional scale. By combining ecological network analysis (ENA), circularity metrics and the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, this study intends to analyze the benefits brought by expanding industrial symbiosis to a broader region. Through the analysis of different symbiosis scenarios under two energetic cases (electricity and biomethane production), the study showed that implementing regional symbiosis was a lever to improve the robustness, the circularity and the environmental impact of the system. The environmental dimension was lowly affected by the scenario changes, but they provided a wider effect on regional metrics. The change in energetic production did not bring significant differences in the results. This study also showed that the structural metrics followed a different trend than the regional and environmental metrics, revealing the complementary views that were brought by the multidimensional analysis. It advocates for a holistic assessment of systems and highlights network structural organization, which should be accounted for in regional sustainability planning.

Water and Energy Conservation across Provinces and Sectors in China: Based on a Complex Network Perspective

Previous studies on the water–energy nexus mainly focused on the calculation and comparison of resource consumption at the national or regional level, lacking interprovincial sector-sector transfer analysis. In this study, the intensity of water and energy consumption of various sectors in China was calculated, the key nodes and paths of resource networks were identified, and countermeasures for resource conservation were proposed from the new perspective of the “dual saving” and “bidirectional saving” of water and energy. The results showed that the metallurgical industry (Me) in Jiangsu and the chemical industry (Ch) in Hebei and Jiangsu had high node strength in the water and energy network and were key sectors in China with “dual saving” effects of water and energy. The construction industry, Ch, Me in Jiangsu, electricity and hot water production and supply industry in Beijing, and Me in Hebei had high node strength in the water-related energy network and energy-related water network, significantly supporting the “bidirectional saving” effect of water and energy in China. The electrical equipment industry (El) in Jiangsu → El in Zhejiang, El in Zhejiang → El in Shanghai frequently appeared in key paths, which could effectively reduce the resource consumption of the entire network.