Desalination Boom Raises Environmental Concerns as Global Water Scarcity Grows

The global desalination industry is experiencing a significant boom as climate change and declining groundwater levels exacerbate water scarcity worldwide. Data shows that between 2025 and 2029, global desalination capacity is projected to increase by one-quarter, with the industry's value rising from $15 billion in 2024 to $20 billion in 2027.

This growth is particularly pronounced in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which already accounts for around 70% of global desalination capacity. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, and Kuwait are set to see the biggest increases in desalination capacity over the next five years. However, the environmental costs of this technology are raising concerns.

The desalination process produces highly concentrated brine as a waste product, which can have a devastating impact on marine ecosystems when discharged back into the sea. Experts warn that these "marine dead zones" can become highly toxic for aquatic life. Additionally, most desalination plants are currently powered by fossil fuels, with some countries like Israel relying on desalination for up to 10% of their grid electricity.

As the world seeks to transition to a net-zero future, the energy-intensive nature of desalination will need to be addressed. While the industry is working to improve energy efficiency, the reliance on fossil fuels in many water-scarce nations remains a significant challenge. Ultimately, the rapid growth of the desalination industry highlights the growing global water crisis, but the environmental consequences must be carefully managed.