Water Management in China's Power Sector

This book examines water resource management in China's electric power sector and the implications for energy provision in the face of an emerging national water crisis and global climate change. It discusses the environmental impacts of coal power plants on water resources and the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy sources. It recommends coordinated institutions to shift away from the current paradigm of independent water and electricity governance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 122 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of water resource management within China's electric power sector, shedding light on the profound implications for energy provision in the face of an emerging national water crisis and the urgent challenges posed by global climate change. It is disheartening to note that over 75% of China's current electricity generation relies heavily on coal, a fossil fuel that is not only environmentally detrimental but also heavily reliant on water resources. Coal-fired power plants consume substantial volumes of water annually, highlighting the uneven distribution of water resources across the country. In the face of mounting environmental concerns and a rapidly increasing demand for electricity, this book takes a critical look at the environmental impacts of coal power plants on water resources and the profound impact that water availability has on the electricity sector, particularly in a nation characterized by numerous water-scarce provinces and a significant concentration of power plants located along inland waterways.

To address these pressing issues, the book adopts a multi-faceted approach, combining a rigorous quantitative analysis of water impacts and dependencies within China's electricity sector with a qualitative examination of relevant institutions in both sectors. By reviewing policy and institution cases in China's water and electricity sectors, the book offers valuable recommendations aimed at shifting away from the current paradigm where water and electricity are governed independently. This shift is crucial in order to mitigate the detrimental effects of water scarcity and climate change on the energy sector and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Enriching the existing literature on the water-energy nexus, this book holds immense interest for students, scholars, and professionals engaged in the fields of water resource management, energy industries, Chinese environmental policy, and policymakers and practitioners alike. By providing a comprehensive and insightful examination of the challenges and opportunities facing China's electric power sector, this book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complex interplay between water, energy, and the environment and for developing effective strategies for sustainable energy development in the face of rapidly changing global circumstances.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367631161