Water production by renewable energy powered desalination for meeting climate change induced water supply-demand deficits in the United States

Abstract Water demand in the United States is projected to increase by up to 140% by 2050 and 220% by 2070 while climate change will reduce the availability of freshwater in large parts of the country. Here we quantify the magnitude of this challenge and define pathways of sustainable water desalination that can satisfy projected deficits between supply and demand on a US county-level. Simulations using verified models and databases on water, solar and wind resources and prices show the potential of desalination technologies with zero liquid discharge (ZLD), mainly powered by solar and wind energies, sustainably meeting the needs of the municipal, thermoelectric and industrial sectors. This analysis offers a new reference point for supplemental social studies addressing issues and perceptions regarding the sustainability of producing fresh water via desalination.