Regional dimensions of the South Korean water-energy nexus

Abstract

The linkage between water and energy, the water-energy nexus, is site specific. An integrated management approach to both resources begins with understanding a region's water-energy nexus. This study built an inventory of water and energy consumption in 17 South Korean regions at each stage of the urban water cycle from 2012 to 2017, estimated the water-related energy intensities, and compared those values across regions. Additionally, this study conducted a series of regression analyses to identify the influences of various factors on water-related energy consumption. This study found regional variance in the total energy intensity as well as in the energy intensities at different stages of the water cycle. Both energy consumed and energy intensities generally increased over the study period. The findings show that greater attention should be paid to energy consumption in the water sector, especially in the wastewater treatment sector. In addition, the regression analyses revealed that management of energy intensity is the most impactful way to reduce energy consumption in the water sector. The positive impacts on water pollution and water consumption also bolster the necessity of water conservation efforts. This study presents regional priorities related to the water-energy nexus and provides water-related energy intensity benchmarks that local governments can use. The findings highlight the necessity of an integrated approach to water and energy.