Renewable Energy Resources in the Long-Term Sustainability of Water Desalination As a Freshwater Source

Abstract Due to growing populations, climate change, and water pollution, freshwater is becoming increasingly scarce. Managing the increasing water and energy demands requires addressing the relationship between energy production, which requires water, and water production, which uses energy. Desalination, as an option, is becoming a viable solution for meeting water demand in an increasing number of water-stressed areas. However, the increased demand for desalination to enhance the water supply and concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuel use to power it are becoming issues. These have increased interest in renewable energy-powered desalination systems. As a result, there is an urgent need to advance sustainable and renewable energy technologies and water purification processes and technologies to meet the growing societal demand for water and energy. This review looks at some renewable energy sources, such as bioenergy, marine energy, and a hybrid of renewable energy sources, in meeting the energy demand. It highlighted the additional beneficial incorporation of other applications and possible energy source combinations. The primary goal of this study is to examine recent advances in the technical, economic, environmental, and social impacts of desalination systems. The second goal is to present an overview of the role of renewable energy technologies in the long-term sustainability of projected water systems that will rely increasingly on desalination.