With support from Energy Foundation China, Beijing Normal University released this report in July 2020, with analysis on the energy and water nexus in typical regions and cities and its policy implications.

By examining the relationship between energy and water resources in Hebei Province, the research finds a strong coupling relationship between energy and water resources in Hebei’s industrial sector. It therefore suggests that water resource management policies can contribute to achieving both energy saving and emission control targets. Industrial restructuring, as one applicable measure to reduce water use simultaneously with energy consumption and carbon emission, lives up to this expectation only when water resources management policies and industrial development policies are coordinated. Additionally, improving water-saving efficiency in key industries through technical means can lead to significant energy-saving and emission reduction.

This study developed a provincial-level quantitative analysis framework for energy-water coupling. Through in-depth case study in Hebei Province, the research not only generates knowledge in optimizing the energy water relationship that may go beyond the primary industry, but also lays the foundation for the development and application of related research methodology in the future.