Energy Intensive Water Management to Achieve Zero Carbon Footprint: A Case Study in Semi-Arid Region, India

Abstract

This study looks into areas around the NCT region that have deep soil conditions along the Yamuna River and are known for having groundwater resource potential. The site selected has a complex land use mix, including residential, administrative, and industrial setups along with a warehouse and other supporting facilities. As assessment of onsite water demand is made on the basis of liter per day demand for various functions within the site and an estimation of water availability on site with respect to surface and groundwater resource potential as well as. The potential for rainwater harvesting and recycled water potential is also assessed. The study makes suggestions regarding reversing improving the declining groundwater table conditions, which are burdened because of overexploitation/overextraction. Corresponding to the actual demand and reduced demand of water, an estimation of the carbon footprint for water based energies is estimated. This is further supported by solar exposure analysis for assessing the entire site potential for harnessing solar energy. This helped in proposing on site renewable energy generation possibilities along with groundwater improvement. This leads to the innovative idea of an energy intensive site with zero carbon footprints for water pumping systems.