Turning to the sea: Desalination for water security

Desalination isn’t new, but it is assuming a far more prominent role in meeting our water needs.  As climate change intensifies and strains freshwater supplies, more are turning to the sea.

A proven technology with a strong growth trajectory

Desalination is becoming a key consideration in water security planning. Population growth in arid and coastal regions, paired with advances in membrane materials, energy recovery, and the integration of renewable energy is making seawater desalination a strategic solution for water availability.

The capital costs can be significant, and the price per cubic metre of water is comparatively higher, but the momentum is undeniable. According to various industry estimates, the global desalination market is worth around US$20 billion in 2025 and anticipated to grow to around US$40 billion by the 2030s.

At BW Water, we see this growth firsthand as we design and deliver custom-engineered reverse osmosis systems. Here are three ways we are addressing the challenges of desalination.

1. Ultra-high pressure reverse osmosis (UHPRO)

BW Water’s UHPRO Brine Positive solution addresses common challenges faced by desalination projects, such as brine management. UHPRO Brine Positive helps overcome additional permitting requirements which are needed for new intake and outfall systems. We are currently deploying this technology to treat over 1000 cubic metres of brine per day from an existing desalination plant, hence reusing what was once a waste stream to extract more water.

🔗More about UHPRO Brine Positive

2. Floating desalination units (FDUs)

Built by BW Elara, a joint venture between BW Group and BW Offshore, the FDUs will use BW Water’s modular design for desalination units. It is a flexible, scalable solution that helps both municipal and industrial clients respond quickly to demand or urgent situations.

🔗More about FDUs

3. Containerised solutions

For remote locations, our containerised seawater reverse osmosis systems help industrial clients maintain reliable water supplies for both process and potable needs, even in the most challenging environments. We are currently working on such a project with a capacity of over 200 cubic metres of clean water per hour.

What’s your take? Which emerging desalination technologies or trends do you think will make the biggest impact?