The relationship between water and energy is commonly referred to as the water and energy nexus which has been studied due to its impact on urban sustainability. This study conducts a comprehensive literature review focusing on the interdependencies between energy and water systems in smart cities through system dynamics modeling. This review will thoroughly identify and analyses existing system dynamics models, their applications, strengths and limitations. This study provides the groundwork for developing an integrated dynamic model that can overcome the identified limitations. It also provides a robust framework that informs smart cities on how to optimize the design and operation of integrated water and energy systems for improved efficiency, reliability and sustainability in the rapidly evolving landscape of smart cities. Currently, there is a notable absence of such models in both research and operational strategies that can effectively manage the complex interdependencies between water distribution networks, energy grids, and renewable energy sources. These complex systems perform under varying demand conditions, environmental challenges and potential disruptions hindering efforts of reduction of energy and water usage to optimize resource efficiency, resilience and overall sustainability in smart cities. The findings offer an adequate framework that guides policies, legislation and contributes to theoretical understanding on how to optimize integrated water and energy system in the rapidly evolving world of smart cities system dynamics modeling and offer strategies aimed at improving hybrid energy and water systems in smart cities.

Keywords

Energy policy, sustainability, efficiency, water and energy nexus, system dynamics