A water-energy nexus analysis to a sustainable transition path for Ji-shaped bend of the Yellow River, China

The temporal and spatial dynamic change of energy water footprint reflects the use of water resources in the process of supplying energy. The spatio-temporal mismatch between energy and water resources in the Ji-shaped bend of the Yellow River has seriously restricted its development. In this paper, spatio-temporal variation in the water footprint of energy in the Ji-shaped bend of the Yellow River from 2000 to 2019 was characterized using the energy water footprint evaluation model. The spatial relationship between energy water footprint and regional water resources was analyzed using the standard deviation ellipse. Finally, the energy-water constraints in the study area were evaluated based on the water footprint stress index. The results were as follows. (1) The energy water footprint increased rapidly, and the energy structure has become more equitable. (2) The spatial distribution of energy water footprint is unbalanced, and the water footprint of fossil energy was higher in the east, but electricity was higher in the west. (3) Due to the growth of hydropower, electricity matches the available water resources to a greater extent than fossil energy. (4) The energy-water nexus is tense in the Ji-shaped bend of the Yellow River, so it is urgent to explore a sustainable transition path. Therefore, improving energy and water efficiency, optimizing the energy structure, and promoting low energy and water resource consumption patterns will be essential for facilitating sustainable development in the Ji-shaped bend of the Yellow River.