SOLAR DESALINATION: A CHALLENGE FOR SUSTAINABLE FRESH WATER IN THE 21 ST CENTURY

generate a sustainable source of fresh water as well as energy. This combination is highly valued as it limits and reduces air pollutant emissions and green house gases generated by combustion of fossil fuels. Increase in energy demand during the first half of this century is expected to continue, which makes the cost of renewable solar energy highly competitive against fossil fuels. Desalination has been relied on to provide fresh water for large cities and countries across the world. The desalination industry continues to grow in countries in arid regions. Various aspects of solar desalination processes, solar energy, and conventional desalination are discussed. Scenarios for combination of existing units with renewable energy are evaluated. The paper also includes a brief review of a number of novel cycles for combining solar energy and desalination.

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