Utilization of renewable energy sources in desalination of geothermal water for agriculture

The agricultural sector, which is highly dependent on water, is urged to build on improved water management practices and explore available options to match supply and demand because of the water scarcity risks and a sustainable and productive agri-food chain. Geothermal water is an energy source used to generate electricity and/or heat. After harnessing its energy, the remaining water can be used as a water source for irrigation following treatment because of its high ionic content. Geothermal fields are mostly located in rural areas where agricultural activities exist. This would be a good match to decrease the transportation cost of irrigation water. The energy demand of the desalination process for agriculture is higher, requiring additional post-treatment processes. Fossil fuels to fulfill the energy requirements are becoming expensive, and greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to the environment. Thus, efforts should be directed towards integrating renewable energy resources into desalination process. This work focuses on presenting a comprehensive review of geothermal water desalination which is powered by renewable energy and provides specific cases from Turkey and Poland. Furthermore, possible new generation renewable energy systems in desalination are introduced, considering their potential application in the desalination of geothermal water for agricultural irrigation.
TUBITAK-NCBR [118Y490-POLTUR3/Geo4Food/4/2019]; Presidency of the Turkish Abroad and Associated Communities (YTB)
This study was financed by an international research project funded by TUBITAK-NCBR (Project No: 118Y490-POLTUR3/Geo4Food/4/2019). We are very thankful to Izmir Geothermal Inc., Izmir, for enabling us to mount our mini-pilot system in their sector. Y.A. Jarma would like to thank the Presidency of the Turkish Abroad and Associated Communities (YTB) for a Ph.D. scholarship.