The role of energy-water nexus to motivate transboundary cooperation : An indicative analysis of the Drina river basin

• Low-carbon hydropower is a key energy source for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7-sustainable energy for all. Meanwhile, the effects of hydropower development and its operation are complex-and potentially a source of tension on Transboundary Rivers. This paper explores solutions that consider both energy and water to motivate transboundary cooperation in the operation of hydropower plants (HPPs) in the Drina River Basin (DRB) in South-East Europe. Here the level of cooperation among the riparian countries is low. The Open Source energy Modeling System-OSeMOSYS was used to develop a multi-country model with a simplified hydrological system to represent the cascade of HPPs in the DRB; together with other electricity options, including among others: energy efficiency. Results show that improved cooperation can increase electricity generation in the HPPs downstream without compromising generation upstream. It also demonstrates the role of inexpensive hydropower to enhance electricity trade in the region. Implementing energy efficiency measures would reduce the generation from coal power plants, thereby mitigating CO 2 emissions by as much as 21% in 2030 compared to the 2015 levels. In summary, judicious HPP operation and electricity system development will help the Western Balkans reap significant gains.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Medicinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Medical Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

CLEWs

Drina river basin

Energy-water nexus

Hydropower

OSeMOSYS

Transboundary cooperation

Energy efficiency

Hydroelectric power

Hydroelectric power plants

Open systems

Watersheds

River basins

Trans-boundary

Rivers

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)