Can Desalination be an Economically Viable Solution for Water Scarcity?

Seawater desalination is a technology which can produce potable water for many locations that currently face water scarcity. Various desalination technologies have been developed and used for years, and some locations rely on desalination to provide water for their population. However, despite all the technology enhancements, water desalination is viewed as an energy-intensive process. In this study, we discuss the economic aspects of large-scale electric desalination plants and suggest some suitable solutions to reduce the levelized cost of water production. Our simulation results show that the coordinated operation of power generation and water desalination can lead to a sizeable reduction in the final cost. Consequently, water availability can be enhanced for the communities that face water shortage.