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Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering

ISSN 2095-2201

ISSN 2095-221X(Online)

CN 10-1013/X

Postal Subscription Code 80-973

2018 Impact Factor: 3.883

Front Envir Sci Eng    0, Vol. Issue () : 787-793    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-013-0526-z
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Water, energy and food interactions–Challenges and opportunities
Gustaf OLSSON()
Department of Measurement Technology and Industrial Electrical Engineering, Lund University, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
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Abstract

Water and energy are inextricably linked, and as a consequence both have to be addressed together. This is called the water-energy nexus. When access to either is limited, it becomes obvious that it is necessary to consider their interdependence. Population growth, climate change, urbanization, increasing living standards and food consumption will require an integrated approach where food, water and energy security are considered together. In this paper we examine water, energy and food security and their couplings. The nexus also creates conflicts between water use, energy extraction and generation as well as food production. Some of these conflicts are illustrated. It is argued that there is an urgent need for integrated planning and operation. Not only will better technology be needed, but also better integration of policies, organizations and political decisions.

Keywords water security      energy security      food security      water-energy nexus      water conflicts     
Corresponding Author(s): OLSSON Gustaf,Email:gustaf.olsson@iea.lth.se   
Issue Date: 01 October 2013
 Cite this article:   
Gustaf OLSSON. Water, energy and food interactions–Challenges and opportunities[J]. Front Envir Sci Eng, 0, (): 787-793.
 URL:  
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/10.1007/s11783-013-0526-z
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/Y0/V/I/787
Fig.1  Illustration of the close links between water, energy and food security (from Ref. [])
energy sourceliters/MJliters of water per kg or liter of fuel
crude oil1.1? 40 L water/L oil
non-conventional oil3-4? 90-150 L water/L oil
coal0.16? 4 Lwater/kg coal
natural gasbiomass0.1145? 6 L water/kg gas? 1100 L water/L ethanol
Tab.1  Water consumption per L or kg of fuel [], []
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