Virtual water flow associated with interprovincial coal transfer in China: Impacts and suggestions for mitigation

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2021-03, Vol.289, p.125800, Article 125800
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yueling, Li, Junjie, Tian, Yajun, Deng, Yelin, Xie, Kechang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: China; Coal production; Coal trade; Coal transfer; Virtual water; Water consumption
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.125800

As the largest producer of coal in the world, China faces tremendous pressure to balance the expanding coal industry and water shortage. Tracking the movement of coal and the corresponding virtual water flow and analyzing their interdependencies are, therefore, essential for the synergetic management of the two resources. In this study, a novel assessment model that combines the concepts of water footprint and virtual water was proposed to quantify the virtual water flow associated with interprovincial coal transfer in China. The operating data of all coal mines and interprovincial coal trade data across the country in 2016 were incorporated into the analysis. It is estimated that there is considerable variation in the water consumption intensities of coal production and virtual water intensities of coal transfer among the provinces. A major part of the water footprint of coal production for China amounting to 4984 million m3 is concentrated in water-stressed north China; interprovincial coal trade involves the transfer of 2373 million m3 of water in virtual form, largely from water-scarce provinces to water-rich ones. With the expansion of the coal industry, the virtual water flow is expected to become 2669 million m3 by 2020, which will further exacerbate the spatial imbalance in water resources. However, virtual water flow can be reduced through optimizing coal transfer and improving water conservation by 458 million m3 and 281 million m3, respectively. The results of this study provide comprehensive insights into the nexus of coal and water. Suggestions regarding relieving the pressure on water for coal production in water-scarce provinces and rectifying the imbalance in virtual water flow due to the interprovincial coal trade are proposed to provide inputs for managers to optimize water quotas, formulate compensation mechanisms, and develop sustainable development policies. •A model framework linking water footprint and virtual water is proposed.•Variations in water consumption in coal production at provincial level presented.•Variations in virtual water of coal transfer at provincial level are presented.•The coal trade aggravates the regional imbalances in water resources in China.•Improving coal supply pattern and water conservation resolve water issues of coal.