Site-tailored configuration of integrated water-energy-food-environment systems using open software - case study of two Colombian sites

Abstract

The smart integration of water, energy, food and environment systems can tap cross-sectoral synergies enhancing supply security while reducing environmental impact. Integrated water-energy-food-environment systems (iWEFEs) are especially vital in remote areas, where reliable and sustainable water, energy and food supply often are challenged by large distances and restricted access to centralized water, energy, and food infrastructures. However, the implementation of iWEFEs in remote areas is limited. One reason for that is the lack of open and accessible design tools for their integrated planning. Addressing the gap of design software for iWEFEs, the present research introduces the WEFEConfigurator, an open software approach for configuring iWEFEs tailored to local site conditions and end-user preferences. It dimensions iWEFEs using multi-objective optimization with adjustable weights for minimizing cost, greenhouse emissions, land requirements, and water scarcity footprint. Using water-energy-food resource data and demand profiles as inputs, the output of the tool are system configuration drafts including optimized capacities as well as key performance indicators. The outputs can support communities, farmers, and project developers in decision-making and attraction of financing, and serve as a sketch for detailed planning, engineering, procurement, and construction of iWEFEs. In this research, the WEFEConfigurator is applied for the first time - for a remote community in Arusí, Choco, and an off-grid hotel with focus on sustainable tourism in Maiapo, La Guajira (both Colombia). Given regional policies enabling the implementation of iWEFEs, user-friendly frontend development, and application at further case studies, the presented approach aims to enable the free and open planning of resource-efficient and sustainable water-energy-food infrastructure worldwide and thus contribute to tackling global challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and insufficient supply of basic services.