Norwegian Researchers Convert Industrial Heat Waste into Drinking Water

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have recently developed a new method in technology that produces clean water by utilizing industrial heat that is typically wasted. Industrial heat is one of the significant waste outputs in industries and plays a large role in global energy consumption. Most of this heat, after being used in industrial processes, is released into the oceans or directly into the air. It is estimated that in Norway alone, this amount reaches 20 terawatt-hours of wasted heat each year, which is nearly half of the energy demand of households in Norway. Alongside this heat, the water used for cooling and other industrial processes also brings many environmental concerns due to extensive pollution. Kim Christiansen, a PhD researcher in the chemistry department at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, stated about the results of this research: 'If we evaporate this impure water through small pores in a hydrophobic membrane, the condensed water that comes out on the other side is drinkable.' Industrial heat is one of the significant waste outputs in industries and plays a large role in global energy consumption. Membrane technology is an advanced method for separating materials that uses thin membrane structures capable of separating molecules or particles based on size, shape, or other properties. This method is also suitable for solid impurities that do not evaporate with water and can even be used in processes for desalinating seawater. Although access to clean water may not be an issue in Norway, this technology could help other industrial countries face water supply challenges worldwide. Membrane technology was previously developed by researchers at the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, and researchers had succeeded in creating a device called MemPower that could simultaneously produce clean water and energy. That project was halted due to a lack of funding. Christiansen believes that industries need to be aware of the potential of technologies like MemPower and added: 'A lot of work is needed internationally in both academic and industrial fields to tackle these challenges to commercialize this technology.' Despite its high potential, membrane technology faces challenges such as the short lifespan of membranes in harsh industrial conditions.