Renewable energy-driven desalination opportunities - A case study.

Renewable energy assisted water desalination technologies are currently becoming attractive as a solution for the water scarcity crisis. Global growth, sustainable development of technologies, and other critical areas are all significantly impacted by water access. Higher living standards and population growth along with industrial developments have resulted in an increased rate of water consumption. Furthermore, more countries are experiencing severe droughts while their drinkable water resources are being limited. Iran, as our case study is one of the countries suffering from such a problem as it has entered into water-bankruptcy period. This study analyzed the country's general water background and its renewable energy status, in addition to the potential in renewable energy assisted desalination (RED). Research reported suggests that Iran's potential in RED water production is more than 28 billion cubic meter in the case limited to only wind and solar potentials put into practice. Thus, Iran should be considered as a prototype in the solutions for water scarcity in cases of proper investment and planning. The critical case study offers an in-depth analysis which could be used as a strategic guide for different regions as it offers more secure solutions to future water concerns.