Abstract :
Millions of people have no access to a secure source of fresh water. Nevertheless, since many arid regions are coastal
areas, seawater desalination is a reasonable alternative. On the other hand, the energy requirements of desalination
processes are high. Then, the energy supply in low development countries or isolated areas may be a problem, especially
if electricity is required. Since most arid regions have high renewable energy resources, the use of renewable energies in
seawater desalination exhibits an interesting chance, or even the only way to offer a secure source of fresh water. The
status and perspectives of development of coupling renewable energy systems with desalination units are reviewed. It is
pointed out that there are place of development even for such technologies that seem to be the most mature ones.
2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd
