Science & Technology: Method for Desalination Using Geothermal Energy

A carbon neutral solution for desalination? Maybe so by tapping into geothermal (EurekAlert)

Diagram of how the geothermal energy would be used for energy production, and two types of desalination (MED and AD). Red lines indicate hot water, while blue lines are cooled water. At the end of the process, distilled water would be available for consumers and aquifer storage, and the chilled water could be used in air conditioning for the plant. The whole theoretical system is carbon-neutral. (Courtesy Thomas Missimer)

Scientists at Florida Gulf Coast University have proposed a carbon-free way to desalinate water using geothermal energy.

With water shortages increasing and rising global temperatures exacerbating drought conditions, countries such as Saudi Arabia are turning to desalination plants to provide drinking water to their residents.

But the method requires a high amount of energy, which can limit the use of the process in many parts of the world.

“We’re searching the world right now for better methods, low carbon methods, to create energy,” said Thomas Missimer from Florida Gulf Coast University. “We want electricity that’s generated at base load — in other words, generated 24 hours a day without interruption. Geothermal is one of those types of energies.”

Dry rock geothermal potential is more wide-spread globally. Missimer suggests using these areas—regions like southern California, North Africa, and the Red Sea region — to heat water that can be used to produce energy.

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Linking Geothermal Electricity Generation with Multiple Desalination Process and Aquifer Storage and Recovery: A Method to Reduce Fossil Fuels Use and the Carbon Footprint of Many Global Regions,  Missimer, Thomas M. et al.  Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 50, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2018AM-320494