At the 30th SolarPACES conference in Rome, Italy, the DESOLINATION project, represented by its partners, the University of Derby, Teesside University, and UNIBS, made an impressive impact with its innovative research on renewable energy and desalination technologies.
Revolutionizing Power Generation with CO2-Mixture Based Power Cycles
One of the standout moments was the presentation by Teesside University’s Net Zero team. Represented by Professor Patchigolla Kumar and his dynamic research team—Dr. Abubakr Ayub, Balkan Mutlu, and Kristofer Poirier—the team shared groundbreaking advancements in concentrated solar power (CSP) and sustainable desalination.
Balkan Mutlu presented their cutting-edge research, “Optimizing CO2-Mixture Based Power Cycles for CSP Applications: A Multi-Objective Approach.”
This work has the potential to revolutionize Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems and significantly enhance their efficiency.
- Utilizing advanced multi-objective optimization techniques to improve efficiency,
- Developing novel CO2-mixture working fluids that enhance power generation.
By focusing on optimizing these critical aspects, the team aims to significantly boost the performance of CSP plants, pushing the boundaries of renewable energy generation. The innovative approach promises higher efficiencies and lower emissions, making CSP a more viable solution for global energy challenges.
Tackling Water Scarcity with Zero Liquid Discharge Desalination
Another groundbreaking innovation was presented by Kristofer Poirier, showcasing “Innovative Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Desalination for Mineral Recovery Using Solar and Geothermal Energy.”
In this approach, the team is addressing water scarcity through:
- Combining solar and geothermal energy to power desalination processes,
- Achieving near 100% water recovery and recovering valuable minerals, such as lithium carbonate, from brine,
- Reducing waste and improving sustainability by turning waste products into high-purity minerals that can be sold.
This ZLD process not only minimizes environmental impact but also offers economic benefits by turning waste into valuable resources. A case study on Tenerife Island demonstrated how this novel process could improve both the profitability and sustainability of solar-driven and geothermal-driven desalination, showcasing a future-ready solution for water-stressed regions.
A Call for Sustainable Water Production
The presentations at SolarPACES highlighted the importance of brine mining for enhancing the viability of desalination projects. By extracting valuable minerals and achieving zero liquid discharge, Teesside University’s Net Zero team is paving the way for more sustainable, profitable desalination processes. This work is crucial for addressing global water scarcity while reducing carbon emissions, as the process integrates carbon capture technologies into desalination systems.
Kristofer Poirier shared his enthusiasm after presenting the innovative ZLD process, expressing gratitude to the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre and all involved in the SolarPACES event.
“It was a great opportunity to meet some of the world’s leading experts in concentrated solar energy and industrial process heat,”
he remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing global sustainability efforts.
Looking Forward: Teesside University’s Commitment to Net Zero
The research presented at SolarPACES is just one part of Teesside University’s broader efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. Through its Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, the university continues to push the frontiers of renewable energy, water sustainability, and industrial process efficiency.
As the team moves forward, they are keen to collaborate with industry partners and researchers around the world to scale these innovations and make a real-world impact. With each breakthrough, they are bringing us closer to a future where clean, renewable energy powers not only our electricity needs but also essential processes like desalination.
Italy's Solar Thermal Legacy
Historical and Modern Achievements in CSP
Italy has been at the forefront of solar thermal technology for over a decade. The Archimede plant, inaugurated in 2010, was the first CSP demo plant in Italy to utilize molten salt for heat transfer and storage in a parabolic trough system. This pioneering project set the stage for future advancements in the field.
In recent years, Italy has continued to lead the way with the commissioning of its first commercial CSP plant and several others in advanced stages of construction. This blend of historical innovation and modern progress makes Italy a fitting host for the 30th SolarPACES Conference, where tradition and cutting-edge technology converge.
