Synergistic Optimization of Water Resources Allocation Based on Energy Transition

¹ China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, Beijing 100038, China
² School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Power, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
³ School of Earth Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Against the backdrop of global climate governance and the low-carbon energy transition, the cumulative impacts of traditional energy development on regional water resource systems are becoming increasingly prominent. Water resources have emerged as a critical boundary condition constraining energy development. This study reveals significant pressures on both the supply and demand sides of water resources during the energy transition. On the supply side, the development of traditional energy sources has been subject to three rigid constraints: the disruption of surface water network connectivity, the reduction policies for over-exploitation of groundwater, and the efficient utilization of unconventional water sources. On the demand side, the energy transition drives structural changes, where industrial restructuring enhances water use efficiency, while emerging energy industries introduce differentiated, high-quality water demands. These factors collectively steer water resources allocation towards structural optimization and precise adaptation. In response, this research constructs a synergistic optimization function targeting “maximized economic benefits, optimized water efficiency, and enhanced system equilibrium.” It proposes a synergistic pathway encompassing model quantification, comprehensive evaluation, and policy generation. Case study results demonstrate that this optimization pathway can improve regional energy system's water use efficiency by approximately 15%-20%, while enhancing the spatial equilibrium of water resources allocation by over 10%, providing a quantitative tool for aligning energy transition with water resource availability. Furthermore, a water resources collaborative governance mechanism is proposed, involving cross-departmental coordinated decision-making, market-based regulation, and monitoring and evaluation. This study offers theoretical support and decision-making references for advancing the energy system towards a greener, safer, and more sustainable future.