Low-grade heat-energy typically wasted from sources like industrial processes, solar thermal systems, and geothermal plants-shows promise as a viable energy source for desalination, potentially easing global water scarcity. A recent assessment indicates this approach could offer a more sustainable and cost-effective option to traditional,energy-intensive desalination methods.
Teh escalating global demand for freshwater, coupled with the increasing availability of renewable energy sources, positions this technology as a critical growth. Desalination currently accounts for less than 1% of global freshwater production, but that figure is projected to rise significantly as populations grow and climate change exacerbates water stress in many regions. Utilizing low-grade heat could dramatically reduce the environmental footprint and operational costs of providing potable water to communities and industries worldwide, with further research and implementation expected in the coming years.
Researchers are exploring various techniques to harness this previously untapped energy source.Thes include membrane distillation, where heat drives the evaporation of water through a membrane, and thermally driven adsorption desalination systems. The feasibility of these methods hinges on optimizing heat transfer and minimizing energy losses, but early results are encouraging.
According to data released November 14,2025,the technology could be implemented using existing renewable infrastructure,minimizing the need for ample new capital investment. The source material was retrieved November 14, 2025, from https://techxplore.com/news/2025-11-grade-renewable-sources-desalinate.html.
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