National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) scientists have a long history of successfully analyzing geothermal and solar energy data. But they are now actively researching desalination capabilities by partnering with technology leaders on several groundbreaking projects. The purpose is to explore geothermal and solar-thermal technologies for creating fresh water from otherwise unusable water.
The ability to desalinate otherwise non-potable water is a vitally important process, but its cost can be high. Fortunately, there is potential to tap otherwise unused renewable heat to drastically reduce the cost of thermal desalination. Applied in the right locations, thermal desalination could mean economic viability for water treatment.
"Water scarcity is a growing problem throughout the world. The ability to apply renewable energy solutions is key to a sustainable water future," said Craig Turchi, principal engineer within the Thermal Sciences Group at NREL.
