Have engineers at MIT created an energy-efficient desalination system?
MIT engineers have created a solar-powered desalination system that produces clean drinking water without the need for battery storage or additional energy sources. This reduces high energy costs typically associated with desalination, a key barrier to widespread adoption of the technology.
The MIT system is designed to remove excess salt from brackish water—salty water found in underground reservoirs—rather than ocean water. Arizona’s aquifers have extensive brackish water reserves, possibly enough to meet the state’s annual demand up to 85 times over, according to recent data from the state’s Department of Water Resources.
State officials have explored a joint desalination project with Mexico in recent years, and have considered resuming operation of a little-used desalination plant in Yuma. But desalination comes with challenges beyond high energy costs, such as disposal of excess brine.
