Rapid urbanization and growing population put overwhelming pressure on already stressed natural resources particularly, water, energy, and food (WEF). The nexus concept evolved as a mean to address the complexity and dynamic nature of the interdependencies between resources. We developed a comprehensive optimization model incorporating the three nexus pillars to ensure sustainable resource management and allocation at multiple scales. The model allocates available resources by optimizing water, energy and carbon footprints for each unit produced. It enables policy makers to assess multiple scenarios under various policy, technology, and resource constraints. The model was validated by a hypothetical case study which demonstrated the interdependence of the three WEF pillars. The results showed how land can be a source of competition between renewable energy and food production unless we utilize and encourage the more optimum dual use of land. This is a great demonstration for the usefulness of solutions like agrivoltaics.

Sustainable resource optimization under water-energy-food-carbon nexus

ACS Fall 2021

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