We recently discussed the growing intensity of drought conditions around the world. As a result of the increasing threat of water scarcity, many are looking toward purification and desalination technologies as a solution but unfortunately, traditional methods of desalination are energy-intensive and produce large amounts of pollutants. Recent advances in water purification technology offer new hope for a sustainable solution to the global water crisis, however.

Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a series about new water-related technology and solutions.

Today, we are taking a look at a few of the companies that are harnessing the sun to carry out desalination and purification in a way that is energy efficient and cost-effective. Among them are:

Solar Water Solutions

Based in Finland, Solar Power Solutions has designed two systems that use reverse osmosis to filter water. The “Sea Water Series,” is capable of filtering 250-7,000 liters per hour and the “Brackish Water Series” offers filtration pg 150-1500 liters per hour. These systems do not require oil-based fuels or batteries and can easily switch between the grid or a generator during non-solar hours. The company has installed units around the world including in Kenya, Namibia, and most recently, Tuvalu.

Desolenator

Desolenator’s system also relies on the sun and uses patented photovoltaic-thermal technology to optimize energy conversion. The system can be operated 24/7 and is not dependent on a grid. According to the company, the solution can remove up to 99.99% of contaminants in water and boasts a 95% reduction in chemical use compared to traditional purifying methods. Additionally, the engineers behind the Desolenator say the system has an estimated lifespan of about 20 years.

Solar Water PLC

This startup leverages proprietary technology based on a hydrological sphere, made of glass and steel, in the process of desalination. The company is committed to producing hydro-infrastructure that is sustainable and economical. With its system, Solar Water PLC, pipes seawater into the dome, which acts as a receiver and processes it to produce fresh water. The company’ earned the Rushlight Water Treatment Award in recognition of being a “world-first for carbon neutral hydro-infrastructure.”

GivePower

Based in Austin, Texas, GivePower is a non-profit devoted to building and delivering containerized solar-powered water farms. The largest can produce 18,500 gallons of clean water daily, enough for up to 35,000 people a day. The organization has seven operational sites around the world, including in Columbia, Haiti and Kenya, and there are plans for four additional farms to become operational in 2022.

In Conclusion:

Desalination and purification of salt and brackish water are becoming increasingly important as the world faces a shortage of drinkable fresh water, and solutions such as those above are more essential than ever before.

If you’re working on a new solution for saving water, we want to hear about it!

Our team can help you spread the word and bring more attention to the incredible work you’re doing through strategic communications, media relations and marketing. Together, we can make sure that everyone has access to clean drinking water. Get in touch by calling 415-351-2227, emailing kamie@artemia.com or filling out this form.

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