Advancements in Seawater Desalination Energy Efficiency

This technical report outlines a significant breakthrough in seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) energy efficiency achieved by the DESALRO 2.0 project in Spain. The project set a new world record for specific energy consumption (SEC) at 1.861 kWh/m3, demonstrating the potential for retrofitting existing desalination plants with advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency. The report details the components that contributed to this achievement, including the use of positive displacement pumps, isobaric energy recovery devices, and efficient hybrid membranes. It discusses the implications of this advancement for reducing operational costs and carbon emissions in desalination processes, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. The report also emphasizes the importance of government support and legislative initiatives in promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in desalination. By retrofitting older plants, significant energy and financial savings can be realized, alongside substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to global decarbonization efforts.