What is Green Desalination?
From renewable-powered desalination to brine valorisation—sustainable water, circular economy.
Last week, ACWA Innovation Days took place in Riyadh. Looking at the agenda, the concept of Green Desalination really stood out.
On seeing a relevant agenda on green desalination in this event, being ACWA power probably the worldwide leader in developing desalination now and will increase in the future, with the power of shaping narratives and industry movements, I think it is worth investing more time in analysing the new era of desalination to seize opportunities and be better positioned.
Also, check which topics IDRA is interested in for abstract submissions for the 2026 International Congress on Desalination & Reuse, to be held in Riyadh this November…it is clear that something is going on!
But what exactly is Green Desalination?
In my view, green desalination involves combining renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, with high-efficiency reverse osmosis membranes and energy recovery devices to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
It also emphasizes low-impact intake systems, minimized chemical use, and responsible brine management to protect marine ecosystems.
Often, it incorporates mineral recovery and a full life-cycle sustainability approach to lower the overall environmental footprint of desalinated water.
I wanted to share today a brief highlight of one specific aspect: brine valorisation.
For years, the industry has treated this salty byproduct as a waste management challenge.
If we are serious about the circular economy, we need to explore ways to stop discharging this concentrate and instead mine it for value.
In this essay I’m trying to recap and pin down some of the conversations I’ve had over the past two years on this topic, as well as what I’ve observed at certain events.
Money
One of the most grounded parts of the conversation we had was about money.