The era of water desalination using deep-sea pressure in Norway: Aiming to halve energy consumption

Norway-based technology startup Flocean is preparing to launch a commercial subsea desalination system that utilizes the natural hydrostatic pressure found at ocean depths to convert seawater into fresh water. The system aims to largely replace the energy-intensive pumps used in traditional reverse osmosis plants with deep-sea pressure.

In this technology, desalination modules are placed at depths of approximately 400 to 600 meters. The natural pressure of about 50 bars generated at this level provides the power required to force seawater through filters. According to company data, this method can achieve savings of up to 50 percent in operational energy consumption.

Positioning the system underwater is presented as a model that could reduce large-scale concrete construction along coastlines and the visual-urban pressure caused by such facilities. It is also noted that because deep-sea water is cleaner and free of algae compared to surface water, the amount of chemicals used in the pre-treatment stage could be reduced by 60 percent.

The concentrated brine produced after the desalination process is intended to be rapidly diluted and dispersed by deep-sea currents. It is stated that this approach could limit the impact of brine discharge on the seafloor ecosystem.

The system, which has been highlighted by TIME magazine as one of the best inventions, is reported to have a single module capable of producing 5 thousand cubic meters of fresh water per day. This capacity is noted to be sufficient to meet the daily water needs of approximately 37 thousand 500 people.

According to experts, if the technology can be scaled across different coastal regions, it holds the potential to create a long-term and more sustainable resource for approximately 2 billion people who lack access to clean drinking water. The first commercial application is expected to begin in Norway.