Scarce water footprint of energy production in China

Water shortage and uneven distribution posed significant challenge to sustainable energy production in China. We integrated extended mix multi-regional input-output model with water scarcity to analyze consumption water footprint and virtual water flows in inter-regional trade of energy production in China. The results show that electricity is the dominant sector of scarce water consumption per unit energy product in China. Remarkable regional difference is manifested for scarce water footprint per unit electricity production. Non-electrical energy production is recommended in north and northwest China due to both high water and scarce water consumptions. In the regions with lower scarce water consumptions, however, electrical industry is suggested to be developed, such as Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian and Hainan provinces. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.