Water represents a central issue in the Chinese landscape, also playing a crucial role for future energy security. Data show that in China 97% of electricity generated requires water to produce, so lack of water means no power. Reports reveal that the government is planning to add 1.2 terawatts of water-reliant power, surpassing in this way the combined installed power generation capacity of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Coal represents a central element in the Chinese energy policy. Experts outline that Chinese coal-fired capacity is expected to increase by the equivalent of 450 gigawatts, despite China’s efforts to reduce its carbon emissions cutting reliance on coal from around 70% of its energy mix to 55%. Additionally, this increase in coal-fired power is more than double the whole of India’s power generation today. Studies indicate that coal are playing a central role as one of the main cause of severe air pollution. However, experts also warn about the importance to understand the impact that coal can have on water safety. Data show that around 95% of Chinese coal is extracted from the underground with heavy reliance on groundwater use. This situation may drive to further deterioration of the already polluted groundwater, experts say. Furthermore, studies report that 53% of Chinese ensured coal reserves are located in water scarce areas and 30% lie in water stressed regions. Moreover, some Chinese NGOs have recently published a report suggesting that hydropower stations could significantly damage China’s rivers, changing ecosystems and endangering biodiversity. In this particular context, policymakers should focus on measures to save both energy and water. Experts warn that China need to foster energy saving strategies in order to safeguard Chinese water resources. The gLAWcal Team EPSEI project Saturday, 2 August 2014 (Source: ChinaDialogue)