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In response to rapidly growing energy demands, Chinese authorities plan to invest more in hydropower development. However, there are concerns about the possible effects on macroeconomy. This paper uses SinoTERM, a dynamic multi-regional computable general equilibrium model (CGE) of the Chinese economy, to analyze the economic impact of large hydropower development projects. The model features regional labor market dynamics and an electricity subdivision module with substitutability between various types of electricity generation. The results suggest that hydropower development will boost economic growth in the project region. Most sectors in the project region will benefit from the hydropower development such as other services, health, and education, while some sectors will suffer a loss in output because of the substantial increase in real wages. For the national, every 10,000 yuan investment can drive the national GDP growth of 1,000 yuan, and the cost is expected to be recovered in ten years. By the end of 2040, the real national wage will be around 0.16% higher than the baseline scenario. The project could only be justified if net environmental benefits outweigh this loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the drivers and barriers to urban wastewater treatment in India and Brazil. The analysis of various different cities focuses on energy efficiency and reuse of treated wastewater. Drawing on 60 semi-structured interviews in Brazil and 20 semi-structured interviews in India, the paper finds that the wastewater systems in both countries are still largely in a situation of lock-in, although innovative initiatives that focus on more resourcefootprint, lifecycle-oriented approaches exist in some niche sectors. A combination of specific institutional changes and external triggers has the potential to break the lock-in. Pricing, mandatory regulations and standard setting present helpful instruments to advance institutional change, while a high number of stakeholders, vested interests and economic benefits of the status quo block it. Urbanization and land and water scarcity have been identified as external triggers for shifts in the dominant mindsets towards more sustainable solutions in both countries. For governance of the water-energy-food nexus, this paper finds that using less abstract concepts and language will increase the acceptance of the idea among local stakeholders. Additionally, cross-sectoral integration needs to be tailor-made and well-timed; immediate, full integration is not always the best option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy consumption and water use are inextricably linked. Combining research on energy consumption and water use in an urban context provides a scientific basis for the integrated planning of energy and water supply systems. Domestic energy and water are among the most consumed resources in urban environments. Furthermore, domestic resources represent an increasing proportion of the total resources consumed. This paper explores four key indicators of urban energy consumption (UEC) and water use in Beijing and Shanghai for the period of 2000 to 2011. Using correlation analysis, this study establishes the intrinsic relationship between UEC and water use. It also offers an analysis of the consumption trends of these two resources as well as their interactive relationship. The results show that urban domestic energy consumption (UDEC) and water use have a significant linear correlation: UDEC is positively correlated with water use, and the correlation coefficients of Beijing and Shanghai are 0.81 and 0.97, respectively. In Beijing, urban domestic energy and water use per capita are negatively correlated, with the high correlation coefficient of 0.93. In Shanghai, urban domestic energy and water use per capita are positively correlated, with the correlation coefficient of 0.90. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising energy prices, geopolitics and concerns over the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change are increasing the demand for biofuel production. At present biofuel production is estimated at 35 billion liters, accounting only for a small part (~2%) of the 1200 billion liters of annual gasoline consumption worldwide. But the contribution of biofuels to energy supply is expected to grow fast with beneficial impacts including reductions in greenhouse gasses, improved energy security and new income sources for farmers. However, biomass production for energy will also compete with food crops for scarce land and water resources, already a major constraint on agricultural production in many parts of the world. China and India, the world's two largest producers and consumers of many agricultural commodities, already face severe water limitations in agricultural production, yet both have initiated programs to boost biofuel production. This paper explores the land and water implications of increased biofuel production globally and with special focus on these two important countries, using the WATERSIM model. It concludes that, although of lesser concern at the global level, local and regional impact could be substantial. In fact, the strain on water resources would be such in China and India that it is unlikely that policy makers will pursue biofuel options, at least those based on traditional field crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China continues to sustain high rates of economic growth, it is important to better understand patterns of resource use within the Chinese economy and the vulnerability of its growth to resource scarcity. This paper examines relationships between two of China's scarcest resources--energy and water--focusing on the energy implications of water use. Based on an analysis of economy-wide resource flows using China's input-output tables, we draw three overarching conclusions: First, the energy used both directly and indirectly in providing non-agricultural water currently represents only a small fraction of China's total energy consumption. However, this share is set to increase as the country expands its water treatment capacity and hydraulic infrastructure. A lifecycle assessment framework for evaluating these projects would aid policymakers as they choose between more and less energy-intensive modes of water provision. Second, energy-water price interactions are currently of little relevance to policymakers because water prices are low, but the high electricity-intensity of water treatment facilities and their need to recover costs may change this situation. Third, water "migration" from agriculture to non-agricultural uses will have important energy dimensions, which will be important for policymakers to bear in mind as they design water pricing and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]