Energy-Water-Carbon Nexus Optimization for the Path of Achieving Carbon Emission Peak in China Considering Multiple Uncertainties: A Case Study in Inner Mongolia

The Chinese government has launched a guideline for carbon emissions up to the peak (CEUP) in 2030 target. electric power sector make its own contributions national CO2 mitigation In this study, patron–client interactive optimized (PCIO) model is proposed investigate regional energy–water–carbon nexus optimization under policy background of CEUP Inner Mongolia, largest energy base China, which also facing prominent contradiction including production and serious environmental problems, chosen as case study. Multiple uncertainties, fuel price uncertainty output wind solar power, are considered process more realistic. Results show that coal-fired will gradually be substituted by gas, wind, Mongolia reach capture storage technology air-cooling systems play important roles, especially strict water scenario. However, achievement water-saving target at expense high system costs. PCIO makes it possible decision-maker flexible strategies balance saving results have demonstrated validity addressing hierarchical programming problems.