Energy-water nexus of wind power in China: The balancing act between CO2 emissions and water consumption

► The nexus of water consumption and CO2 emission of China's wind power is examined. ► Wind power consumes 0.64 l/kWh of water and produces 69.9 g/kWh of CO2. ► Wind power could save 800 million m3 of water for use by 11.2 million households. ► Wind power could contribute 23% of China's carbon intensity target by 2020. ► Wind power deemed to be a viable means of achieving carbon and water savings.