Recent progress in the use of renewable energy sources to power water desalination plants

Rapid population growth and industrial development have propelled water resources to the forefront of challenges facing modern societies. While water covers about two thirds of the surface of earth, < 1% is suitable for domestic and industrial use. Conventional fossil-fuel powered desalination techniques consume extensive amounts of energy and have highly damaging impact on the environment. Abundant cheap and clean renewable energy sources are a...