Desalinization in Times of Drought
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Date
2025
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Abstract
Several factors are contributing to the increased adoption of desalination. Population growth has significantly impacted areas experiencing water stress, while drought conditions, partly influenced by climate change, are simultaneously affecting many regions that previously considered their traditional water supplies to be sufficient. Meanwhile, the cost of desalinated water has been decreasing as technology evolves and the cost of other sources increases. In Chile, there are currently 22 desalination plants in operation, 6 under construction, 3 with environmental approval, and 12 under preliminary evaluation. The current capacity of the operating plants in Chile is 8200 L/s. However, despite this boom in desalination, its orderly and sustainable economic and environmental development presents significant challenges. In this context, the main regulatory, legal, environmental, social and economic challenges for the sustainable development of desalination in Chile are reviewed, outlining some ideas to advance in them.
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Keywords
Desalinization, Challenges, Complementary water sources, Chile