Work

Evaluation of electricity use and carbon emissions for agricultural water supply in South Korea: Focusing on Water for Food (W-F) nexus system

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Agricultural water accounts for 63% of the total water usage, and water is essential for food production. The use of agricultural water for food production corresponds to ‘water for food’ nexus, and irrigation facilities are utilized to supply water, directly related to the electricity use and carbon emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the electricity use for agricultural water supply and carbon emissions by paddy water management, focusing on the water for food nexus system in water-energy-food nexus. The total electricity use gradually increased significantly in pumping stations and upland irrigation, and carbon reduction effect of water management was found to be 24.76% (midseason drainage) and 61.27% (shallow flooding). This study quantified water-energy-carbon linkage for food production system with the perspective of water for food nexus. Additionally, as the proportion of electricity use expected to increase, this study suggested that energy efficiency of agricultural water supply become more important issues.

Source: Agricultural Water Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2025.109446

Authors: Pu Reun Yoon, Jin-Yong Choi, Sang-Hyun Lee

Institutions: Seoul National University, Chungbuk National University

Language: English

Topic: Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,070