Can Solar Water Desalination Cut Energy Expenses?

Water, quite often, is taken for granted. Of course, most of us drink it and use it without much thought. It’s simply something that has always been “there”.  Of course, we likely don’t even focus on the fact that we need clean and fresh water, that it is critical for life. Water, quite often, is taken for granted. Of course, we hope, solar water desalination will help cut energy costs. 

Access To Quality Water

As a matter of fact, many people across the country and around the world simply don’t have access to the quality water they need. Of course, they struggle to maintain their health and their life because of it. Needless to say, providing water to those without access has proven challenging, but advancements have been made. Furthermore, we have learned to leverage the water we do have – that which comes from our oceans. 

Fortunately, over 70 percent of the earth’s surface is water. Of course, this has been shown to be a valuable resource, especially when desalination, the process of removing the salt from seawater, is viable. 

Water Energy

Of course, while this has proven incredibly valuable, the process does require energy. Also, the level of salt in the water directly correlates to the amount of energy needed.  Additionally, as we all know, energy is costly. Of course, considering that many of the areas that don’t have access to water are less developed and struggle economically,  the cost of desalination can be a roadblock; it is concerning. 

Solar Desalination

Of course, one answer to this problem may be solar desalination. Correspondingly, this process uses solar energy to transform unusable water and contaminated water into freshwater.  Additionally, Solar energy leverages the energy from the sun (a free resource). Moreover, when this energy is combined with desalination plants (which are inexpensive to produce and maintain and incredibly mobile) bringing clean water to less developed areas that don’t have access is not only possible, it’s also cost-effective. 

Similarly, a newer process focuses on Concentrating Solar Power (CSP). Uniquely, based on membrane or thermal processes, CSP allows desalination plants to operate continuously helping to provide drinkable and usable water to areas that desperately need it.

Of course, solar power may very well be the answer to the high cost associated with the energy expenses inherent in the desalination process. Of course, as progress continues to be made, so many benefit.