Renewable-Powered Desalination is taking off in emerging markets. Bluefield analyzes trends and drivers
Since 2000, 66 renewable-energy-powered desalination plants have been commissioned with a combined capacity of 1.7 million m3/d. Solar and wind energy power 57 of these plants. Almost all of this renewable desalination capacity has been installed in developed countries attempting to offset carbon emissions.
Beginning in 2006, Australia constructed desalination plants powered with renewable energy purchased from the grid. Looking ahead to 2020, there are three planned renewable desalination projects, located in Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and United Arab Emirates.
In this Data Insight, Bluefield water experts analyze:
- Renewable Desalination Plants by Energy Source
- Installation of Renewable Powered Desalination Plants
- Geographic Distribution
- Installed Capacity and Large-Scale Renewable Desalination Plants
- Planned Renewable Desalination Plants
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Bluefield Takeaways
- Over 99% of renewable desalination capacity has been installed in developed countries that are attempting to offset the carbon emissions of energy-intensive desalinated water supplies.
- Facing strong headwinds, renewable applications for desalination are inching forward on the heels of climate change concerns, industrial power needs, and green-washing.
- Still immature in their adoption, renewables for desalination activity have largely been the focus of research institutes and universities.
