💠 A new wave of desalination startups argues that deeper is better Only about 3% of the world’s water is fresh, with an even smaller portion readily accessible. As droughts intensify in arid regions, there is increasing interest in desalination—the process of removing salt from ocean water. While traditional reverse osmosis desalination has been used for over a century, it is energy-intensive, requiring significant electricity to operate. A promising alternative, deep sea reverse osmosis (DSRO), involves deploying reverse osmosis systems at depths of 1,300 to 2,000 feet, where natural pressure aids the process, reducing energy needs. Although this idea has existed since the inception of reverse osmosis, it has gained traction due to advancements in deepwater technology spurred by the oil and gas industry. Recent innovations have made powering underwater systems more efficient, transitioning from hydraulic to electric pumps, which are cheaper and easier to operate. DSRO systems are designed to minimize harm to marine life and produce less concentrated brine compared to traditional methods. Despite high initial costs for installation and infrastructure, companies like Flocean and OceanWell are optimistic about the technology's potential, projecting energy savings of 30% to 50% compared to onshore methods. Recent funding rounds have attracted investor interest, with these companies planning deployments in regions like the Mediterranean and Red Sea. As global water crises worsen, these technologies aim to provide solutions to millions at risk of water scarcity. 💬 Source 📌 Powered by V3V Ventures