International Journal of Renewable Energy Development
Vol 11, No 1 (2022): February 2022

Water-Energy-Food Nexus Review for Biofuels Assessment

Abass A. Gazal (The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok)
Napat Jakrawatana (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiangmai University)
Thapat Silalertruksa (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut'
s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok)

Shabbir H. Gheewala (The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Feb 2022

Abstract

The appropriate use of limited natural resources for generating basic human needs such as energy, food, and water, is essential to help the society function efficiently. Hence, a new approach called nexus is being considered to resolve the effects of intrinsic trade-offs between the essential needs. A review of different methods and frameworks of the water-energy-food nexus was done in this article to give a detailed repository of information on existing approaches and advocate the development of a more holistic quantitative nexus method. Assessing biofuels under the water-energy-food nexus perspective, this review addresses the sustainability of bioenergy production. The results show the countries that can sustainably produce first-generation biofuels. Only a few methods have varied interdisciplinary procedures to analyse the nexus, and more analytical software and data on resource availability/use are needed to address trade-offs between these interacting resource sectors constituting the nexus. Also, “land” is suggested as an additional sector to consider in future studies using both the nexus index and life cycle assessment methodology. The review reveals that to tackle composite challenges related to resource management, cross-disciplinary methods are essential to integrate environmental, socio-political facets of water, energy, and food; employ collaborative frameworks; and seek the engagement of decision-makers.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijred

Publisher

Subject

Control & Systems Engineering Earth & Planetary Sciences Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Engineering

Description

The International Journal of Renewable Energy Development - (Int. J. Renew. Energy Dev.; p-ISSN: 2252-4940; e-ISSN:2716-4519) is an open access and peer-reviewed journal co-published by Center of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE) that aims to promote renewable energy researches and developments, ...