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Economics of Desalination Options in 2024
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/seawater
An estimate in 2018 found that "18,426 desalination plants are in operation in over 150 countries. They produce 87 million cubic meters of clean water each day and supply over 300 million people."[8]: 24 The energy intensity has improved: It is now about 3 kWh/m3 (in 2018), down by a factor of 10 from 20–30 kWh/m3 in 1970.[8]: 24 Nevertheless, desalination represented about 25% of the energy consumed by the water sector in 2016.[8]: 24
In 2012, cost averaged $0.75 per cubic meter. By 2022, that had declined (before inflation) to $0.41. Desalinated supplies are growing at a 10%+ compound rate, doubling in abundance every seven years.
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