Harnessing wind energy for sustainable desalination: Technologies and future directions

Abstract

The growing global need for fresh water, along with the reduction of traditional water sources, has made sustainable and energy‐efficient desalination technologies more important. This study offers a detailed review of wind‐powered desalination systems, highlighting their potential to provide eco‐friendly solutions in water‐scarce areas. The various desalination techniques, such as reverse osmosis (RO), mechanical vapor compression (MVC), multi‐stage flash (MSF), and electrodialysis (ED), are critically examined in terms of wind‐energy compatibility, operational efficiency, and energy requirements. It is observed that wind‐powered reverse osmosis desalination techniques are more energy‐efficient than other techniques, such as MVC and MSF, which are applicable in high‐salinity environments. Key challenges associated with the intermittent nature of wind energy are discussed, along with practical mitigation strategies such as energy storage, hybrid renewable integration, and adaptive system design. Furthermore, recent developments in hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), which combine wind, solar, and storage technologies, are examined for their ability to improve system reliability and lower the levelized cost of water. Techno‐economic factors and optimisation methods are also reviewed to evaluate the feasibility of large‐scale deployment. Overall, the study highlights the significant potential of wind‐powered desalination as a sustainable means of producing freshwater, while identifying key areas for future research and technological advancement.