The water footprint of hydroelectricity: a methodological comparison from a case study in New Zealand |
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Authors: | Indika Herath Markus Deurer David HorneRanvir Singh Brent Clothier |
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Institution: | a The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited, PB 11-600, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand b Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand c New Zealand Life Cycle Management Centre, Massey University, PB 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | Hydroelectricity has been rated to have a large water footprint (WF) on global average. We assessed the WF of hydroelectricity by three different methods using New Zealand as a case study. The first (WF-1) and second (WF-2) methods only consider the consumptive water use of the hydroelectricity generation system, while our third method (WF-3) accounts for the net water balance. Irrespective of the method, the WF of New Zealand’s hydroelectricity was found much smaller than the commonly cited international value of 22 m3 GJ−1. Depending on the method, the national WF ranged from 1.55 m3 GJ−1 (WF-3) to 6.05 m3 GJ−1 (WF-1). The WF- 3 considers the net water balance including rainfall, which is the key driver for replenishing water resources. It provides meaningful information that helps our understanding of the differences of the WF in locations, which are diverse in terms of water resource availability. We highlight the effects of local climatic differences and the structural specifics of a hydroelectricity scheme on the WF. The large variation in the WF of hydropower across New Zealand illustrates the inappropriateness of using global average values. Local values, calculated using our hydrologically rational method, must be used. |
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Keywords: | Water-energy nexus Hydropower Hydroelectric dams Renewable energy Virtual water Ecosystem services Hydrology |
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