A new study commissioned by the International Energy Agency’s Ocean Energy Systems (IEA-OES) reveals significant market opportunities for ocean energy-powered desalination systems. The study, focusing on the rapidly growing global demand for desalination, underscores the potential of small-scale, ocean energy-powered plants to meet the needs of remote and island communities.

The current global capacity for desalination is approximately 100 million m3/day, with an annual increase of around 3.75 million m3/day since 2000. The study notes a shift toward smaller, decentralized desalination plants due to environmental regulations and the high energy costs associated with larger facilities. Approximately 1 million m3/day are currently processed by small-scale plants, with projections suggesting a growth of an additional 2 million m3/day by 2030.

Despite the current relatively high cost of electricity generated via ocean energy, there is a promising outlook for ocean energy-powered systems in the small-scale desalination market. The study highlights ongoing pilot projects, such as the OTEC plant in Kavaratti, India, and various small-scale, wave-powered technologies being developed in Europe and North America.

The study makes several key recommendations to capitalize on these opportunities:

1. Provide market incentives for the deployment of ocean energy-powered desalination systems.

2. Develop partnerships with developing countries, particularly where water scarcity issues are greatest and ocean energy resources offer a competitive means of powering desalination plants to meet their needs.

3. Continue to support R&D to accelerate the deployment of demonstration projects and further innovate the technology.

Access the study here.