The competitive relationship and regional differences in water use for energy and food production in China

China's dual carbon goals and increasing water stress underscore the importance of understanding energy-food water competition. Using a water footprint framework, we quantified water use between energy and food production across 31 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020, analyzing spatial patterns, competition intensity, and inequality. Energy water use rose rapidly, particularly from thermal and hydropower, while food water use stayed stable. Competition was most severe in northern and northwestern regions, and inequality in water use widened, reflecting mismatches between resource availability and industrial layout. These findings provide a basis for targeted policies, water right reform, and interregional cooperation to enhance sustainability.