Interactive national virtual water-energy nexus networks

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Resource Management
• Economic Geography

Background:

• Global regions import virtual resources for development.
• Previous studies rarely explored simultaneous transfers of multiple virtual resources like water and energy.
• China faces significant energy demand and water scarcity, making it a critical case study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct and analyze interprovincial virtual water and energy transfer networks in China.
• To understand the interactions and trade-offs between virtual water and energy transfers.
• To identify patterns of resource gain, loss, and inequality.

Main Methods:

• Construction of interprovincial virtual water transfer networks.
• Construction of interprovincial virtual energy transfer networks.
• Analysis of trade-offs, resource inequality, and trade dependencies.

Main Results:

• Over 40% of provinces gained one resource while losing another; 20% suffered losses in both.
• Approximately 40% of virtual water/energy transfers occurred from scarce to abundant provinces.
• Many provinces relied more on distant trade than adjacent trade for water and energy.
• Virtual water-energy networks generally enhanced each other, shaping consumption nexus.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous assessment of multiple virtual resource networks is crucial to uncover unintended consequences.
• Cross-sectoral and holistic policies are needed for global sustainability and human well-being.
• Trade significantly influences the nexus between water and energy consumption.