HAOXiao-di,ZHUKai-yu,LIURan-bin.Seawater Desalination Technology Using Small Modular Nuclear Reactors[J].China Water & Wastewater,2025,41(4):1-8.
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Seawater Desalination Technology Using Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

China Water & Wastewater[ISSN:1000-4062/CN:12-1073/TU] volume: 第41卷 Number: 第4期 Page: 1-8 Column: Date of publication: 2025-02-17
Author(s):
HAO　Xiao-di;  ZHU　Kai-yu;  LIU　Ran-bin
（Sino-Dutch R & D Centre for Future Wastewater Treatment Technologies， Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment ， Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture， Beijing 100044， China）
Keywords:
seawater desalination;  low-carbon energy;  small modular nuclear reactors (SMR);  brine
Abstract:
To address the phenomena of global freshwater shortage, desalination could serve as a sustainable approach to water supply. However, in the context of global climate change, desalination powered by fossil fuels is no longer appropriate， and transitioning to cleaner or low-carbon energy sources must be a top priority for powering desalination. As a low-carbon and convenient nuclear source, small modular nuclear reactors (SMR) show great promise. SMR are characterized by low in investment costs, flexible decentralized installation, and high safety standards, making them a potential driver for advancing desalination technologies. Furthermore, SMR coupled with desalination could produce hydrogen with full capacity during off-peak power usage periods, reducing the cost of freshwater price to 2 yuan/m3 with an energy consumption of 2 kW·h/m3. In addition to the benefits of brine utilization and reduced environmental impact, SMR-based desalination could provide a sustainable and low-cost freshwater supply for coastal areas, island, and even offshore areas (100-200 km away).
Last Update: 2025-02-17