In the sun-scorched coastal regions of Morocco, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the parched landscapes, a groundbreaking study is redefining the future of water security and renewable energy integration. Otman Abida, a researcher at the African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Laayoune, has been delving into the energy-intensive world of seawater desalination, seeking ways to make it more sustainable and cost-effective.
The Phosboucraa seawater desalination plant in Laayoune, a critical facility for producing fresh water for phosphate washing, has been a focal point of Abida’s research. Currently, the plant consumes a staggering 8 kWh of energy per cubic meter of water, a figure that raises both environmental and economic concerns. “The high energy demand of traditional desalination processes is a significant barrier to their widespread adoption,” Abida explains. “By integrating renewable energy sources and advanced technologies, we can make desalination more sustainable and economically viable.”
Abida’s study, published in Cleaner Engineering and Technology, explores four strategic scenarios to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of the desalination process. The first scenario involves the implementation of Pressure Exchanger (PX) technology, which significantly reduces energy consumption to 2.8 kWh/m3. This technology recovers energy from the high-pressure brine stream, making the desalination process more efficient.
The second scenario focuses on Ultrafiltration (UF) pretreatment, which provides a balanced outcome with a permeate flow rate of 78.62 m3/h at 2.88 kWh/m3. UF helps in removing suspended solids and microorganisms, improving the overall efficiency of the reverse osmosis process.
The third scenario involves the use of a single trilayer sand filter, which achieves the highest permeate flow rate of 82.18 m3/h but at a higher energy consumption of 3.01 kWh/m3. While this method is effective, it is less energy-efficient compared to PX and UF technologies.
The most innovative scenario integrates renewable energy sources into the desalination process. Abida’s team designed an optimal hybrid renewable energy system comprising a 233 kW Photovoltaic (PV) panel, two 1500 kW wind turbines, a 965 kW converter, a 2100 kW diesel generator, and 3963 batteries. This system achieved the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) at 0.194 $/kWh and the lowest Net Present Cost (NPC) of 21.9 million $, with a renewable fraction of approximately 80.5%. The integration of renewable energy sources led to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, decreasing by approximately 80% compared to conventional diesel-powered operations.
“This hybrid system not only reduces the carbon footprint but also makes the desalination process more economically viable,” Abida notes. “The integration of renewable energy sources is a game-changer for the energy sector, especially in regions with abundant solar and wind resources.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing global issue, the demand for desalination technologies is set to rise. By making desalination more energy-efficient and sustainable, Abida’s work paves the way for a future where water security is not at odds with environmental sustainability. The integration of renewable energy sources into desalination processes could also create new opportunities for the energy sector, driving innovation and investment in clean energy technologies.
Future work will focus on integrating battery storage and developing intelligent control mechanisms to improve system stability and reliability. These advancements will make hybrid desalination systems a key solution for water security in energy-resource-rich coastal regions, not just in Morocco but around the world. As Abida puts it, “The future of desalination is green, and it’s happening now.”