Impacts of Decarbonisation on the Water-Energy-Land (WEL) Nexus: A Case Study of the Spanish Electricity Sector

Abstract

Over the last decades, combating climate change has been an important concern for policy makers. As a result, many policies have been designed towards this direction. Being electricity generation the focus of climate change mitigation policies, important changes are expected in this sector over the next few years as a result of the implementation of such policies. However, electricity production also generates other impacts on the water, energy and land (WEL) nexus that must be further investigated. To shed some light to this issue, this paper presents and discusses the potential impacts on the water-energy-land nexus resulting from the decarbonisation of the Spanish electricity system impacts under two different long-term scenarios. Using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, a set of environmental impacts relevant for the nexus have been analysed for the current and future electricity generation technologies in Spain. Additionally, through the use of an optimization energy model-Times-Spain-the evolution of the electricity technologies in Spain until 2030, under two different scenarios and targets has been assessed. Taking into consideration such scenarios, the global warming, acidification, eutrophication, ecotoxicity, water consumption, resource depletion and land use impacts have been estimated. Results show that, over time, together with the decrease of greenhouse gas emission, acidification and eutrophication tend to decrease in both scenarios. On the contrary, ecotoxicity and resource use impacts tend to increase.

Evaluation of the Water–Energy–Land Nexus (WELN) Using Exergy-Based Indicators: The Chilean Electricity System Case

“…Therefore, it can be concluded that fuel origin is relevant in the indirect exergy and land consumptions for consequences on overall exergy resources consumed during the whole fuel life cycle. These results are consistent with those reported by Lechón et al [16], who highlighted the relevance of land occupation for non-renewable technologies associated mainly for the fossil fuel extraction stages.…”

“…However, due to the lack of information for materials origin and technologies, the renewable technologies manufacturing was excluded from the present analysis. Furthermore, there are no data available for the transmission system, specifically for accounting the land resources; thus, the same assumptions as Lechón et al [16] were considered to exclude this item from the analysis.…”

“…In correspondence, Chile had proposed the decarbonization plan of the energy sector, which consists in the gradual closure of 28 coal-fired power plants that are still operating in the country for 2040 [57,58]. Studies reported by Lechón et al [16] corroborate that the decarbonization pathway by means of penetration of renewable technology is a feasible energy policy for reducing resources, such as fossil fuels, water and land, as well as carbon emissions. Therefore, a reduction of nearly 40% of CExC is expected for 2040.…”

“…Similar analysis was reported by Guan et al [1], who studied the main drivers and relationships of WELN in the all Chinese economy supply chain. Results show that agriculture and light industry are critical sectors for water consumption and land occupation; meanwhile, the heavy industry and construction present the highest energy requirements.From the sustainability energy system point of view, several authors have highlighted that an improvement of energy technology can reduce the trade-offs across the three WELN dimensions [15,16]. Furthermore, it is recognized that to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources within the nexus, the integration of life cycle thinking for preventing the different environmental pressures and impacts on resources during the whole life cycle should be addressed [12].…”

“…From the sustainability energy system point of view, several authors have highlighted that an improvement of energy technology can reduce the trade-offs across the three WELN dimensions [15,16]. Furthermore, it is recognized that to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources within the nexus, the integration of life cycle thinking for preventing the different environmental pressures and impacts on resources during the whole life cycle should be addressed [12].…”