Quantifying the water–energy nexus in Greece

ABSTRACT In this paper we provide an assessment of the water–energy nexus for Greece. More specifically, the amount of freshwater consumed per unit of energy produced is determined: for both conventional (lignite, diesel and fuel oil-fired) and advanced (combined operation of gas turbine) thermal power plants in the electricity generation sector; for extraction and refining activities in the primary energy production sector; and for the production of biodiesel that is used as a blend in the ultimately delivered automotive diesel fuel. In addition, the amount of electricity consumed for the purposes of water supply and sewerage is presented. In view of the expected effects of climate change in the Mediterranean region, the results of this study highlight the need for authorities to prepare a national strategy that will ensure climate resilience in both energy and water sectors of the country.

[1]  Yim Ling Siu,et al.  The energy and water nexus in Chinese electricity production: A hybrid life cycle analysis , 2014 .

[2]  L. Chapman,et al.  The water‐energy nexus: future water resource availability and its implications on UK thermal power generation , 2015 .

[3]  James N Seiber,et al.  The nexus of food, energy, and water. , 2014, Journal of agricultural and food chemistry.

[4]  Nike,et al.  Corporate Responsibility Report , 2004 .

[5]  Mateus Ricardo Nogueira Vilanova,et al.  Exploring the water-energy nexus in Brazil: The electricity use for water supply , 2015 .

[6]  Dolf Gielen,et al.  Considering the energy, water and food nexus: Towards an integrated modelling approach , 2011 .

[7]  Michael E. Webber,et al.  Energy for water and water for energy on Maui Island, Hawaii , 2015 .

[8]  S. Guner.  United Nations World Water Assessment Programme , 2011 .

[9]  D. H. Marks,et al.  The water consumption of energy production: an international comparison , 2014 .

[10]  Robert A. Holland,et al.  Global impacts of energy demand on the freshwater resources of nations , 2015, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

[11]  Jayanta Deb Mondol,et al.  Overview of challenges, prospects, environmental impacts and policies for renewable energy and sustainable development in Greece , 2013 .

[12]  Christopher A. Scott,et al.  Global Energy Development and Climate-Induced Water Scarcity—Physical Limits, Sectoral Constraints, and Policy Imperatives , 2015 .

[13]  D. Conway,et al.  Tracing the water-energy-food nexus: description, theory and practice , 2015 .

[14]  Tony Allan,et al.  The water–food–energy nexus: an introduction to nexus concepts and some conceptual and operational problems , 2015 .

[15]  Kelly T. Sanders,et al.  Critical review: Uncharted waters? The future of the electricity-water nexus. , 2015, Environmental science & technology.

[16]  John K. Kaldellis,et al.  Renewable energy applications in Greece—What is the public attitude? , 2012 .

[17]  Ashlynn Suzanne Stillwell,et al.  Integrating water resources and power generation: The energy–water nexus in Illinois , 2016 .

[18]  John K. Kaldellis,et al.  Evaluation of Water-Use Needs in the Electricity Generation Sector of Greece , 2014 .

[19]  J McGlade,et al.  The European Environment: State and Outlook 2005 , 2005 .