Creative Commons

This dissertation was written as part of the MSc in Energy Law, Business, Regulation and Policy at the International Hellenic University. Desalination, a freshwater producing process with a potentially high energy, carbon, and environmental footprint, reflects the water-energy-environment nexus, the aspects of which are analysed herein, in an interdisciplinary approach. Conservation and protection of natural freshwater resources must be a priority, with desalination as a last resort. As desalinated water usually has a higher full cost than conventional water, it is not necessarily affordable or accessible. Desalination, as an alternative source of freshwater, can increase transboundary cooperation, but also create new conflicts. Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies can help reduce the energy intensity of desalination and greenhouse gas emissions, while energy storage facilitates the security of supply. Besides energy demand management, water demand management is essential to prevent scarcities in the water-energy nexus. There is also room for international cooperation in the development of new green energy sources and exchanges with desalinated water. The potential environmental impacts of desalination shall be carefully assessed and mitigated before a project is approved. Zero liquid discharge technologies are likely to reduce the volume of brine and therefore the amount of waste discharged into the environment. In conclusion, desalination is a mixed blessing. Undeniably, a more integrated water-energy-environment policy is needed to ensure sustainable development and desalination.