Unlocking Desalination’s Future: A Fresh Look at Nuclear Waste Heat

If we could tackle two big problems at once - energy waste and water scarcity. That's where nuclear power plants (NPPs) come in. Did you know that NPPs produce a lot of heat that's often wasted? This heat, known as waste heat, can be used to drive desalination systems. Desalination is the process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable. Scientists are exploring ways to combine this waste heat with renewable energy sources and a technology called Reverse Osmosis-Low-Temperature Evaporation (RO-LTE). This mix could create a more efficient and environmentally friendly desalination system. The main goal is to make desalination better and cheaper. This involves improving heat transfer and evaporation processes. Plus, there are ideas to produce hydrogen and recover minerals from the by-products of desalination. Passive technologies and process optimization could also help reduce costs and energy use, making the system more sustainable in the long run. This review is like a roadmap for decision-makers. It highlights the strengths and opportunities of using NPP waste heat in desalination. It also points out the need for advancements in material science and heat exchanger designs. The aim is to address water scarcity while promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.