The impact of low-carbon transition of energy sectors on regional water use in China

Integrated management of energy and water necessitates a comprehensive investigation into the impact of low- carbon energy transition on regional water usage within China's energy system. This study utilizes a multi- regional input-output (MRIO) model to analyze changes in water withdrawal for China's energy sectors between 2007 and 2017, and then conducts a scenario analysis to investigate the potential impacts of energy transition on regional water use and regional water stress. The results revealed a declining trend in the total water withdrawal of China's energy sectors from 2007 to 2017. During this period, interregional energy trade led to virtual water transfer, primarily from Central and Northeast China to Beijing-Tianjin and Northwest regions. The scenario analysis suggests that the transition to low-carbon energy in China has the potential to save 12.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of water, with an additional 22.5 bcm achievable through improved overall water use efficiency, reflecting a trend similar to the water stress index. Specifically, provinces with lower water withdrawal efficiency for the Thermal Power sector would benefit more from water savings from a low-carbon energy structure in the future. The virtual water transfers in different scenarios have resulted in varying directions of interregional trade-induced virtual water flows. This paper can provide valuable policy recommendations for achieving China's carbon peaks and carbon neutral goals, thereby facilitating sustainable management of both water resources and energy.