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Tracking flows and network dynamics of virtual water in electricity transmission across China

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  • Zhang, Yiyi
  • Hou, Shengren
  • Chen, Shaoqing
  • Long, Huihui
  • Liu, Jiefeng
  • Wang, Jiaqi

Abstract

Expansion of electric grid has induced increasing stress on regional water resources. Yet, few insights have been gained into the network dynamics of virtual water flows embodied in interprovincial electricity transmission. Here, we calculated the interprovincial transfer of virtual water and virtual scarce water associated with electricity transmissions in China during 2005–2014, considering both thermal power and renewable energies. To track the network dynamics of virtual water, we identified control and dependence relationships between provinces related to exchanging virtual water, using network control analysis. We found that the magnitudes of virtual water and virtual scarce water transferred from western provinces to the rest of China have increased five-fold between 2005 and 2014. The transfers of virtual water exacerbated the water scarcity in northwestern provinces over time, while the transfers between southwestern provinces mitigated the local water scarcity. Southwestern provinces have strong control over the Yangtze River Delta region due to the supply of virtual water in hydroelectricity transmission inbetween. In contrast, the interdependence among northwestern provinces has been strengthened over time. Gansu, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia have become more dominant in controlling the virtual water appropriated by Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region and Shandong over this period. We suggest that the dynamics of electricity-induced virtual water transfers across regions be regularly tracked to address water scarcity during constructing power plants and adjusting electricity dispatches.

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  • Zhang, Yiyi & Hou, Shengren & Chen, Shaoqing & Long, Huihui & Liu, Jiefeng & Wang, Jiaqi, 2021. "Tracking flows and network dynamics of virtual water in electricity transmission across China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:137:y:2021:i:c:s1364032120307619
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.110475
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    Cited by:

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    3. Xiuli Liu & Rui Xiong & Pibin Guo & Lei Nie & Qinqin Shi & Wentao Li & Jing Cui, 2022. "Virtual Water Flow Pattern in the Yellow River Basin, China: An Analysis Based on a Multiregional Input–Output Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-24, June.
    4. Yiyi Zhang & Huanzhi Fu & Xinghua He & Zhen Shi & Tao Hai & Peng Liu & Shan Xi & Kai Zhang, 2023. "Electricity-Related Water Network Analysis in China Based on Multi-Regional Input–Output Analysis and Complex Network Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-20, March.
    5. Hang Lei & Xin Zhang & Xinyi Han, 2023. "Exploring Virtual Water Network Dynamics of China’s Electricity Trade: Insights into the Energy–Water Nexus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-21, November.
    6. Li, Junjie & Yan, Yulong & Wang, Yirong & Zhang, Yifu & Shao, Lianwei & Li, Menggang, 2024. "Spatial-successive transfer of virtual scarcity water along China's coal-based electric chain," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).

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