Regions are developing climate-neutral energy sources

An environmentally friendly desalination plant has been developed.

Photo by: Claudiad / iStock

Scientists at South Ural State University (SUSU) in Chelyabinsk are working on a project for a seawater and groundwater desalination complex. This is reported by the university’s press service.

The university specified that the research is part of the strategic project “Ecological Environment of Post-Industrial Agglomeration” under the Priority 2030 program.

A grant of 20 million roubles from the Russian Science Foundation was allocated for scientific research.

According to the university’s specialists, the project should be completed by 2024. The project should result in a working water purification system design. In the future, it is planned to be implemented in China, India, the Middle and Near East, and Africa. In addition, similar equipment can also be used in the Arctic.

According to preliminary calculations, the system will be able to desalinate more than 1,000 tonnes of water per day, consuming up to 100 megawatts of thermal energy. To generate electricity and heat, the scientists used photovoltaic and thermal converters that are powered by solar panels and wind turbines.

SUSU is planning to get a patent for their development.

According to the UN, a third of the Earth’s population (2.2 billion people) do not have access to safe drinking water. The international organization noted that measures are needed to combat the global water crisis, as the crucial resource is at risk of extinction due to population growth, agricultural development, and the worsening effects of climate change.

UN experts predict that by 2050, up to 5.7 billion people will live in areas where there will be a shortage of fresh water for at least one month a year.

Already by 2040, the global demand for water may rise by more than 50% while demand for energy may increase by more than 25%. The international organisation has called for smart water use that will counteract floods and drought, allow access to water, reduce pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change.

According to a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in July 2010, every person in the world has the right to have access to sufficient water for personal and domestic use (50 to 100 litres per day per person).

Desalination systems can lead to emissions which, in turn, create a serious climate footprint. It is for this reason that companies in all countries are keen to provide states in Africa, Asia and other regions where such plants may be required with the latest designs that do not worsen the environmental situation.

Cover photo: Andrea Izzotti / iStock