Water-Energy-Food Nexus (Water Security and Access to Clean Water, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, Energy for Food and Water, Energy from Agricultural Waste, etc.)

Water, Energy, and Food: Sustainable Solutions for the Future

The nexus between water, energy, and food represents a complex and dynamic relationship that forms the foundation of sustainable development in today’s world. Globally, 2.2 billion people lack access to clean water, highlighting that water security and access to clean water are prerequisites for healthy living and productive agriculture. Sustainable agricultural practices not only ensure food security but also emphasize the need to conserve water resources. Agriculture consumes 70% of the world’s water, directly impacting water consumption through the energy required for food production. For instance, 10% of the energy used in food production depends on the direct use of water. Converting agricultural waste into energy facilitates the utilization of approximately 1.3 billion tons of annual food waste as a source for energy production, improving waste management and providing renewable energy resources. These interactions gain further importance under the pressures of climate change and a growing global population. Developing sustainable solutions within the water-energy-food nexus is thus a critical step toward meeting the needs of future generations.

At Hacettepe University’s Department of Environmental Engineering, we focus on sustainably managing the intricate relationship between water, energy, and food. Through projects aimed at improving access to clean water, ensuring water security, and producing energy from agricultural waste, we contribute to making this tripartite cycle more efficient and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, by promoting the more efficient use of water in agricultural production, we provide solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security. With processes for generating energy from waste, we strengthen energy independence while minimizing environmental impacts. In this context, we explore the potential for biogas and electricity generation using systems like anaerobic digesters, microbial electrolysis cells, and microbial fuel cells that utilize waste, wastewater, and biomass from domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities as energy resources.