The Rise of Desalination: Addressing Water Scarcity Worldwide

Global Trends in Desalination: Challenges, Costs, and Future Outlook

1. Why is desalination becoming more common globally?

Due to growing water scarcity from prolonged droughts, overuse of groundwater, and climate change, many countries are turning to desalination to ensure a continuous water supply for drinking and agriculture.

2. Which regions are leading in desalination use?

The Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Israel, leads in desalination capacity. Countries like Cyprus and Malta have also integrated desalination into their core water supply strategies.

3. What is the main process used in desalination?

Reverse osmosis is the most widely used process. It involves forcing seawater through fine membranes that remove salts and impurities, producing drinkable water.

4. Main challenges of desalination

• High energy usage raises operational costs.
• Environmental harm occurs due to the disposal of highly concentrated brine into oceans.
• Capital costs of constructing and maintaining plants are significant.
• Affordability is a concern, especially for poorer nations.

5. How much does desalinated water cost to produce?

Depending on the location and technology, it costs around €0.50 to €1.50 per cubic metre. Solar and wind-powered systems can help reduce long-term costs but require upfront investment.

6. Is desalination energy-efficient today?

Energy consumption has decreased over the years, especially with innovations in membrane technology and pre-treatment. However, it still remains more energy-intensive than traditional sources like surface or groundwater.

7. Are there environmental solutions to brine discharge?

Some research focuses on extracting minerals and useful elements like magnesium and lithium from brine, which could reduce its environmental impact and create economic value.

8. Future trends in desalination

• Expansion into Asia and Africa to meet urban and agricultural needs.
• Shifting towards energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies.
• Development of smaller, modular units for remote or island regions.
• Greater emphasis on cost-sharing models and public-private partnerships.

9. Can desalination fully replace natural water sources?

No. While desalination can provide emergency and supplementary supply, it is unlikely to fully replace rivers, lakes, and aquifers due to its high costs and limited capacity in many regions.

10. How are countries balancing costs and needs?

Some are diversifying their water strategies—combining desalination with wastewater reuse, rainwater harvesting, and transboundary cooperation to avoid overdependence on any one method.