SPAIN – The Marbella seawater desalination plant, initially plagued with construction issues and financial controversies, now serves as a critical water source for the western Costa del Sol, providing half of its water needs amid a severe drought situation. The plant's capacity is set to double in the spring to 32,877 m³/d and potentially triple to 54,794 m³/d by the end of the year, significantly alleviating water scarcity in the region. Plans for expansion involve upgrading filtration systems and potentially adding portable or fixed production lines to meet the increased demand. Additionally, other desalination initiatives across Malaga, such as the El Atabal plant and borehole installations, aim to further augment water resources in the face of salinization challenges. These efforts underscore a concerted regional response to mitigate the impacts of drought on water supply for over 250,000 residents. (SUR in English)

SPAIN – The Junta de Andalucía, facing a severe drought, is considering shipping water from desalination plants in Valencia or Murcia to Malaga as a last resort measure. Discussions are ongoing with shipping and water companies to facilitate this complex operation, including determining logistics such as docking and pipeline extensions. Malaga's water company, Emasa, is preparing pipelines to transfer water from the port to key areas like La Rosaleda, the Atabal desalination plant, and the Rojas pumping station. Despite logistical challenges, including port traffic and infrastructure limitations, plans involve pumping treated water directly into the mains network at a rate of up to 48,000 m³/d. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes expanding existing desalination plants, installing portable desalination units, and reusing aquifers to mitigate the impact of the drought across various regions in Andalucía. (SUR in English)

U.S.A. – Arizona's efforts to address water shortages include proposals for importing water, with a focus on desalination plants, many of which would be located along the Mexican coasts. These proposals, submitted to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona, range from retrofitting the Yuma Desalting Plant to ambitious projects like transporting water from the Columbia River or the Northeastern United States. Some projects aim to desalinate seawater using reverse osmosis or other technologies, while others focus on treating brackish groundwater. Additionally, agricultural water-saving initiatives and storm water capture projects are being considered to augment water supplies. Despite the enthusiasm for desalination as a solution to water shortages, some advocate for prioritizing in-state projects and improving water management before pursuing large-scale importation projects. (Tucson.com)

_{Arizona's efforts to address water shortages includes a proposal for retrofitting the Yuma Desalting Plant, U.S.A. Credit: Green Biz}

SCIENCE – MIT researchers have developed a portable desalination unit the size of a suitcase, weighing less than ten kilograms, which can turn seawater into drinking water with the push of a button. This device, powered by minimal electrical energy, exceeds World Health Organization standards for drinking water quality and eliminates the need for filter replacements, reducing long-term maintenance. Unlike traditional desalination methods, this unit utilizes ion concentration polarization (ICP) and electrodialysis to remove particles and salts, making it more energy-efficient. The technology has potential applications in remote areas, onboard ships, during natural disasters, or in military operations. The research, published in Environmental Science and Technology, represents a significant advancement in portable water desalination technology. (Greek Reporter)

SCIENCE – Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a groundbreaking solution called Redox Flow Desalination (RFD) that not only turns seawater into drinkable water but also serves as an energy-efficient storage solution for renewable energy. Led by Dr. André Taylor, the team achieved a 20 percent improvement in salt removal rate and reduced energy demand by optimizing fluid flow rates. The integration of redox flow batteries with desalination technologies enhances system efficiency and reliability, marking significant progress towards sustainable water solutions. The system's flexibility allows for control over incoming seawater residence time to produce drinkable water, while excess energy stored during desalination can be converted into renewable electricity. This innovation addresses the pressing global water crisis and contributes to environmental conservation and renewable energy integration. (Interesting Engineering)