Optimization of Regional Energy-Water Nexus System Under Multiple Uncertainties

In this paper, an interval chance-constrained programming (ICCP) method is proposed for collaborative energy-water nexus (EWN) system under multiple uncertainties. This method can solve the uncertainties expressed as probability distribution and interval. An ICCP-based energy-water nexus (ICCP-EWN) model is established, where 15 scenarios are designed for assessing the effect of water cycle coefficients and constraint violation risk. The results show that: (i) coal would remain the main energy sources for future energy supply, but the proportion of clean energy (e.g., natural gas, biomass) in the future power generation structure would significantly increase (about 15.6%); (ii) the water withdrawal of power generation in the energy system would be largest, where thermal power generation would have the largest proportion of water withdrawal, accounting for 85.0%; (iii) the decreasing α level and increasing p level will bring higher system benefits, and the reliability of the system would be reduced. These results can help determine the energy mix of a planned area, improve security of energy supply, and make trade-off between system benefits and the risk of violating constraints.