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In the present study, a novel model-based approach is detailed for optimal design and analysis of clean and economic production technologies regardless of temporal and local restrictions. Accordingly, a dual layer mathematical model is developed in which techno-economic and life cycle analyses are integrated in the first layer using a novel self-sustainability flowchart and the nexus between the water, energy, and carbon sectors are investigated in the second layer using an input/output analysis. A water and energy intensive system consisting of non-renewable (NRES) and renewable energy subsystems (HRES), a reverse osmosis module and a fuel cycle, is studied using the approach and the results are validated and calibrated according to the relevant literature. Four scenarios including an NRES fueled by pulverized coal (I) and natural gas (II), a hybrid NRES and HRES application (III), and a power and freshwater cogeneration system (IV) are compared from both economic and environmental viewpoints. Finally, the applicability of the controlled NRES is investigated using economic, environmental, and combined environmental-economic cost of products (CEECP) and the sensitivity of the model responses with respect to the manipulating variable is studied. The results showed that CEECP was obtained to be 164.7, 134.1, 515.2, and 134.1 $/MWh in the scenarios I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Additionally, the operational water withdrawal could be decreased by 1.7-3.2% in favor of additional 0.03-0.05% of CO2-eq emissions by employing a controlled power plant. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.