Use of Renewable Energy Sources for Water Desalination in Crete, Greece. A SWOT Analysis

Sea water desalination is a developing technology producing potable water with many applications worldwide particularly in arid areas. It is an energy intensive process and its integration with renewable energies can produce low-carbon fresh water. Among several water desalination technologies reverse osmosis is the dominant method, based on semi-permeable membranes, producing high quality clean water. The island of Crete, Greece has moderate water resources while their demand is increasing for several reasons. Unfortunatelly, its supply is adversely affected by climate crisis. One method to increase the supply of potable water in Crete is the desalination of seawater using reverse osmosis. The water desalination plants can be powered by solar and wind energy which are abundant in the island. The integration of seawater desalination with renewable energies results in the production of fresh water with low carbon impacts. A SWOT analysis of using solar and wind electricity to power the water desalination plants in Crete has been implemented. It is indicated that there are several strengths and many opportunities for developing seawater desalination plants powered by green electricity in the island. It is concluded that the use of solar-PV and wind electricity for powering seawater desalination plants in Crete reduces the carbon footpritnt of the produced drinkable water minimizing the impacts to climate change.