American tycoon Elon Musk believes that solar power plants could be a key solution to the global water crisis.
While further research is needed, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla argued that solar farms have the potential to significantly contribute to renewable energy, making the desalination process cheaper and more effective in providing clean water.
“We are making continuous breakthroughs in desalination efficiency, and I think we have a promising future ahead with great water sustainability and renewable energy,” Musk stated during his speech at the 10th World Water Forum 2024 in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on Monday, May 20.
Desalination, the process of removing salt from water to make it suitable for human consumption, has traditionally been energy-intensive and costly.
However, Musk emphasized that with the use of solar energy, it can be made both effective and affordable.
Musk pointed out that the cost of batteries for energy storage has plummeted by a factor of 10 in the last five years, and solar farms could generate about a gigawatt (GW) of power per square kilometer (km).
“Of course, the sun doesn’t shine all the time, but on average, a square kilometer of solar panels can produce roughly one gigawatt per day, which is substantial,” he noted.
He also mentioned that harnessing some of the solar heat from the Sahara could potentially generate enough electricity for all of Europe. While the vast potential of solar energy is often underestimated, Musk asserted that the calculations are straightforward and promising.
Thus, utilizing solar energy could be a vital solution for providing clean water worldwide.
“Desalination has become very affordable. The real challenge now lies in energy and water transportation,” Musk said.
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