Climate change risks and resilience strategies for desalination plants in the Gulf region

The Gulf region confronts a pressing challenge of water scarcity, exacerbated by the compounding climate change impacts. Currently, most of the water needs are met by desalination, a critical infrastructure for the water supply in the region. The desalination sector will also be affected by climate change impacts, and quantification of those impacts is limited in the literature. This paper comprehensively reviews the region's reliance on desalination as a primary solution to meet escalating freshwater demands. It explores the ecological consequences, such as brine discharge and habitat disruption, while scrutinizing desalination processes' energy-intensive nature. These findings highlight the urgent need for mitigative actions to ensure the environmental sustainability of water provision in the region. Through a case study of the seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant, the results highlight the intricate relationship between climate change and freshwater productivity in the Gulf Region. It was found that freshwater productivity may decline by 6.5 % in 2100 based on the forecasted data and SWRO model. This unveils the vulnerabilities of existing water resources to climatic variability. Furthermore, recommendations have been made, such as adopting renewable energy sources, advancements in water treatment technologies, and promoting water conservation and reuse initiatives to develop resilient and sustainable water infrastructure. By embracing a holistic approach to water management, the region can fortify its resilience against the dual challenges of water scarcity and climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for future generations. • The Gulf region is a water-scarce area that relies heavily on desalination. • Climate change risks associated with desalination are discussed and analyzed. • Several measures are proposed to enhance the sustainability of desalination plants. • It is essential to develop sustainable and integrated water management policies.