Sustaining Irrigated Agriculture in the Mediterranean: A Comprehensive Assessment of Water and Energy Resources

Irrigation plays a vital role in sustaining agricultural productivity, particularly in the Mediterranean region, which is characterized by limited water resources and heightened vulnerability to water scarcity. Meeting the irrigation demands of both water and energy in such environments requires efficient management strategies to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. This work aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current use of water and energy in Mediterranean agriculture, with implications for food production and environmental sustainability. Using high-resolution data on irrigated and rainfed areas, crop-specific water consumption, and regional irrigation infrastructure, the blue water (BW) consumption and energy demand for irrigation were calculated across the region. The results reveal that cereals account for the largest irrigated area, representing 54% of the total area and consuming 30% of the energy. Conversely, fruits and nuts, which cover just 14% and 7% of the irrigated area, respectively, contribute significantly to energy demand, requiring 30% and 17% of the total energy consumption. In total, irrigation across the Mediterranean region utilizes 88.34 km³/y of blue water and 85.19 × 10⁶ GJ/y of energy, covering an irrigated area of 17.88 Mha. These results offer important insights into the interlinkages within the WEFE Nexus, highlighting the resource intensity of irrigation. By quantifying energy demands, the study helps assess the broader environmental impacts of irrigation within the Nexus.