Feasibility of applying a simulation-optimization model for assessment of decisions based on water-energy-food NEXUS considering the environmental damages

The population growth along with the rise in essential needs, has caused creating the concept of water-energy-food NEXUS and the increase in attention to this framework in order to apply it to optimal use of resources. One of the most important issues in the optimal use of resources that has received less attention is environmental damages which has not been addressed as much as the cost and benefit debate. Beside the optimal use of resources, another point is to attention to sustainable supply needs, so that different parts of the system do not be disrupted during operation. The effectiveness of the NEXUS is also important for decisions as in case of minor effects, there is no need to complicate the decision model. In this study, a mathematical model of water-energy-food NEXUS was implemented in a study area for the purpose of minimizing costs and maximizing reliability, and using ant colony optimization algorithm, optimal solutions were obtained. The effect of considering and not considering the NEXUS between resources and its effect on costs was also examined. The results showed that considering the environmental costs without adopting intensified policies does not affect decisions and only increases the costs of the system. NEXUS impact analysis showed that NEXUS considerations are optimal to make decisions under minimization of costs and it does a better performance of maximizing the overall system reliability index, without negatively affecting other parts.