Integrated Water–Energy–Carbon Nexus Optimisation of Coastal Urban Water Systems: Linking Hydraulic Modelling and Policy for Sustainable Management
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
- College of Engineering and Technology, Dhurakij Pundit University
Abstract
Urban water distribution systems in rapidly growing coastal cities face escalating energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and infrastructure stress, particularly under seasonal tourism peaks. This study develops a Water–Energy–Carbon (WEC) framework integrating EPANET hydraulic simulation, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitoring, and Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis to quantify operational inefficiencies and evaluate low-carbon improvement scenarios. Five distribution zones in Pattaya City, Thailand, were assessed over a 20-year projection under baseline and efficiency-enhancement scenarios, incorporating variable-frequency drive (VFD) control, optimised pump scheduling, and targeted pipe rehabilitation. Electricity intensity and carbon emissions were calculated using measured SCADA data, energy intensity factors, and Thailand’s grid emission factor. Results indicate that implementing the proposed measures reduced total pumping energy by 32.6% and annual CO₂ by 30.0% (≈540 tCO₂e/year, i.e., ~10,800 tCO₂e over 20 years), while maintaining ≥0.5 bar across all nodes. The framework demonstrates that combining scenario-based hydraulic optimisation with carbon accounting provides a practical decision-support tool for utilities, enabling alignment with national decarbonisation goals and Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation). This approach can be replicated in other coastal urban contexts facing similar water–energy–carbon challenges.
Keywords
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