As the second largest thermal power generation province in China,the contradiction between limited water resources and huge water demand of Jiangsu province is becoming increasingly prominent.
With the development of social economy and the expansion of population,the global food consumption has grown rapidly,and the dietary structure of the residents has also undergone tremendous changes.
Water consumption in thermoelectric and hydropower plants in China increased from 1.6 and 6.1 billion m3,respectively,to 3.8 and 14.6 billion m3 from 2002 to 2010.
The most essential resources,as food,energy and water(FEW)are strongly interrelated,forming the food-energy-water nexus(FEW nexus)for thriving of urban society.
The well-known “virtual water hypothesis” states that water-deficient regions/countries could alleviate water stress through importing water-intensive products from water-abundant regions/countries.