A proposed sustainable water–energy–food nexus system for Abou Zenimah City, South Sinai, Egypt

Author's Department

Computer Science & Engineering Department

Fifth Author's Department

Computer Science & Engineering Department

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-025-00303-w

All Authors

Laila Elhusseiny Abdelsalam Amina Lotfy Mariam Abd El-Aziz Shaden Shehabeldeen Attia Peter Nasr

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Discover Environment

Publication Date

12-1-2025

doi

10.1007/s44274-025-00303-w

Abstract

The city of Abou Zenimah in South Sinai is one of the Red Sea coastal cities at risk of water scarcity and food shortage due to seawater intrusion and limited rainfall. The proposed project of a WEF Nexus system aims to create a stable source of water for consumption, agriculture, and industrial needs while also implementing sustainable agriculture and aquaculture for the growth of vegetables and fish as a source of food, mitigating the risks associated with climate variations and unstable crop calendars. The system utilizes Forward Osmosis desalination to produce 250,000 m3/year of fresh water, Aquaponics and Aeroponics for crop and fish growth, and Evaporation Ponds for salt extraction. The integration of renewable energy through Photovoltaics, meeting a daily demand of 6.39 MWh, ensures that the emissions are minimized for the sustainable operations of the project. The project is anticipated to have positive environmental, economic, and social impacts for the community of Abou Zenimah and other cities in South Sinai. The feasibility study of the project highlights the importance of commercializing the products from the project to have a feasible pay-back period estimated at 5 years. Through creating resource security and employment opportunities, this project shall create resilience for the residents at risk of political upheavals and uncertain conditions.

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