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The current investigation focuses on analyzing dynamic approaches to sustainable water resource management policies, considering the interconnectedness of water, food and energy resources. This analysis takes into consideration changes in demand resulting from population growth and economic development over a twenty-year timeframe, employing a systems dynamics methodology. Initially, the model was developed and simulated using data from the case province as a macro-scale representation of the water-food-energy resource framework, while also factoring in the continuation of current conditions. Through sensitivity analysis utilizing the Monte Carlo model, the study addresses the formulation of sustainable water resource policies across four main categories: water demand management, water supply management, food resource management, and energy resource demand management. Additionally, it explores the integration of policies within an optimal framework. The simulation of proposed solutions revealed that a combination of water demand management and food resource management yielded the most promising outcome. Specifically, the recommended solution entails enhancing water irrigation efficiency by 17 % through the expansion of pressurized irrigation network coverage, adjusting cropping patterns by 12 %, reducing agricultural product losses by 7 % via improved food supply management, minimizing food demand by 7 % due to reduced food consumption losses, and achieving an annual 8 % increase in crop performance. These selected policies form the foundation for sustainable water resource management strategies.

It is anticipated that the global community will encounter crises pertaining to water, energy, food, and the environment in the foreseeable future. The objective of this paper is to analyze global research endeavors pertaining to the interconnections among water, energy, food, and the environment. This paper presents critiques on the water–energy–food-environment nexus (WEFEN).Furthermore, this study analyses current innovations on the WEFEN nexus concept, applications, and impacts during the period of 2015–2023. Additionally, it aims to address the challenges and imperatives of investigating this nexus within the context of the world. This review critically analyzes the existing body of research pertaining to the interplay between water, energy, food, and the environment. Additionally, it highlights the challenges encountered in studying this intricate relationship and underscores the imperative for further investigation in this domain. This study reveals that the main barriers to achieving global integration of WEFEN are sector-specific policies and a dearth of integrated management approaches. Also named as big problems were the lack of money for projects that integrate WEFEN, the lack of information sources, and the lack of laws that cover the development of the WEFEN nexus as a whole. The findings of this study encompass recommendations for enhancing the interplay between WEFEN. These measures encompass enhancing collaboration and coordination among various entities, including governmental ministries, councils, universities, associations, and businesses. Additionally, establishing a dedicated policy-making institution and reaching a consensus on a comprehensive plan are crucial steps. By employing effective management strategies and formulating appropriate policies, the research and discoveries presented in this review article possess the potential to address the anticipated challenges that lie ahead for the global community.

The population increase and the demand for water and energy, accompanied by the implications of environment pollution for natural and human resources, indicate the critical necessity for a coherent movement towards nexus between water, energy, and environment. Due to the fact that power generation industry is responsible for a significant proportion of water and fuel consumption and Carbon dioxide emissions within the world, in this research, the application of the hybrid renewable system in a thermal power plant has been assessed based on the approach of analyzing the link between energy, water and environment. The design of the solar system and the assessment of carbon balance during the power plant lifetime have been conducted in PVsyst application in 2022. Moreover, ReCipe environmental model has been used for assessing the effect of decrease in carbon emission on the ecosystem. The findings of the research indicate that the replacement of at least 2 % of the nominal capacity of the fossil fuel power plant with the renewable one, prevents the emission of 1431.28 tons of carbon dioxide yearly. This amount equals to 380.34 cubic meters of reserve in fossil fuel consumption and 391.73 tons of crude oil. The results also showed that in addition to preserving natural resources, the hybrid cycle design leads to significant water demand reduction which equals to 3842 cubic meters with the capacity to supply underground water sources. Due to the interests of preserving water and energy resources and decreasing carbon emission in power plant industry, within the framework of nexus approach, management of energy supply by replacing resources and using water and heat recovery technologies and application of energy demand management policies based on energy efficiency and environmental implications is recommended.