Desalination of seawater in Tenerife is a necessity as climate change leads to higher temperatures and reduced rainfall.
Water is one of the most valuable resources on Earth. While many regions have access to freshwater from rivers, lakes, and groundwater, islands and arid areas often rely on alternative methods to meet their water needs. The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, make extensive use of desalination—a technique that transforms saltwater into potable water. This article explores the desalination process, its inventor, its first application in the Canary Islands, and the crucial role it plays in combating climate change.
The History of Desalination
The concept of desalination is not new. In the 19th century, Alexander von Humboldt, a German naturalist and geographer, described methods to purify seawater. However, the first modern and large-scale application of desalination took place in the 20th century.
The invention of reverse osmosis, one of the most efficient methods for removing salt from water, is credited to American chemists Sidney Loeb and Srinivasa Sourirajan in the 1960s. Their groundbreaking work led to the development of membranes capable of filtering seawater in an energy-efficient way, paving the way for large-scale desalination plants worldwide.
The Canary archipelago was one of the first European regions to implement large-scale desalination to meet the demand for drinking water. The first industrial desalination plant in Spain was built in 1964 in Arrecife, Lanzarote.
Why Desalination in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands have few natural water sources. There are no rivers, and groundwater is limited. The increasing population, growing tourism sector, and agriculture industry drive the demand for potable water, while natural rainfall is insufficient to meet this demand.
As a result, desalination was introduced as a solution in the 1960s. The first island to apply this technique was Lanzarote. Due to extreme drought conditions, it was essential to find a new way to produce sufficient water. The first desalination plant was built in 1964 in the capital, Arrecife, and its success led other islands to quickly follow suit. Today, all major islands in the archipelago have multiple desalination plants.
How Does Desalination Work?
There are various techniques to convert saltwater into drinking water, but the most commonly used methods in the Canary Islands are:
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- The most widely used method, applied in about 80% of desalination plants.
- Seawater is pushed through a membrane under high pressure, which blocks salt and other impurities, leaving pure drinking water.
- This process consumes less energy than other methods, making it more economically viable.
Thermal Desalination (Multi-Stage Flash Distillation – MSF)
- Seawater is heated until it evaporates, and the collected condensation is fresh water free of salt.
- Although once popular, this method is less commonly used today due to its high energy consumption.
The choice of method depends on the available energy sources on the island and the cost of production.
The Impact of Desalination on the Canary Islands
Advantages
✔ Guaranteed supply of drinking water – The Canary Islands are no longer dependent on rainfall.
✔ Tourism and agriculture can continue to grow – Without desalination, the islands’ economy would suffer significantly.
✔ High water quality – Desalinated water is often cleaner than traditional tap water.
Disadvantages
✖ High energy costs – The processes, especially thermal desalination, consume a lot of energy.
✖ Environmental impact – The byproduct, a salty brine, is discharged into the ocean and can affect local ecosystems.
✖ Dependence on fossil fuels – Many desalination plants still operate on conventional energy sources.
Desalination and Climate Change
Climate change is leading to increasing drought and declining groundwater levels, making desalination even more crucial for the Canary Islands. The islands are working on sustainable solutions to minimize the environmental impact of desalination, including:
Use of Renewable Energy
- The government is investing in solar and wind energy to power desalination plants.
- In Gran Canaria, part of the desalination capacity is already powered by wind energy.
Improving Efficiency
- New technologies allow for lower energy consumption and higher water production with less waste.
Reuse of Brine
- Research is being conducted into alternative uses for the salty byproduct, such as salt production or energy generation.
The Future of Desalination in the Canary Islands
With rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall, desalination will play an even greater role in the future. Innovations such as energy-efficient membranes and the use of renewable energy sources will make the technology more sustainable.
Additionally, water conservation efforts in households and the agriculture sector are being explored. Smart irrigation systems and wastewater reuse could help reduce water stress on the islands.
With new investments and a greener approach, desalination remains the lifeline of the Canary Islands and a model for other arid regions worldwide.
A Necessity
Desalination of seawater in Tenerife and the other Canary Islands is not just a solution but a necessity. The limited access to freshwater and the impact of climate change make this technology indispensable. While the process presents challenges such as high energy costs and environmental effects, the islands are transitioning to more sustainable solutions.
Through innovative technologies, investments in renewable energy, and responsible water management, the Canary Islands can maintain their unique climate and quality of life—while serving as an example for other regions facing water scarcity.
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Desalination of Seawater in Tenerife ©
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