Seawater desalination

Although 72% of the earth's surface is covered with water, 97% of it is saltwater. The remaining 3% is very unequally distributed: just 10 countries possess 60% of the freshwater reserves, while 29 others, in Africa and the Middle East, face chronic shortages.
Desalination expands freshwater supplies, offers a solution to droughts and helps communities cope with shortages and crisis situations.

Video

What are the different seawater desalination techniques?

Research objectives

Focusing chiefly on reverse osmosis, Veolia Environnement's research aims to optimize the operation of desalination plants by means of membrane processes.
Our research is exploring two possibilities:

  • Seawater pretreatment to minimize the clogging of membranes downstream.
  • Energy efficiency gains to cut the cost of desalination and improve environmental performance.

Notebook

Outline

  • A strategic issue, by Antoine Frérot
  • Did you know?
  • Key facts
  • Research objectives
  • What you need to know about
  • Focus on Research & Innovation programs
  • For more information
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