The energy-water nexus of China's interprovincial and seasonal electric power transmission

摘要: Abstract Modern energy systems use large amounts of water for electric power production. This has important impacts on future management and system planning decisions. In this study, we quantify the physical production virtual transfer via transmission between Chinese provinces using information 5408 electricity-generating units interprovincial transmission. We show that China’s withdrew 62.7 billion m3 freshwater in 2017, which 13 was consumed (i.e. not returned to original basin but lost evaporation, etc.). A volume virtually traded through system. Overall, 6.2 withdrawal 2.1 consumption traded. Nationally, reduced increased China because, compared east, west generally a larger factor lower factor. Water stress more equally distributed across find seasonal variations inter-regional transfer, with an August peak. While Yangtze River downstream Yellow have abundant relative other basins, many plants located along two rivers aggravate local stress. These dynamics will become increasingly policymakers planners as undergoes climatic changes rapid transition.