In a major breakthrough, Chinese scientists have developed a solar-powered technology that can turn seawater into fresh drinking water without using electricity. This new invention could provide an affordable and eco-friendly way to supply clean water to millions of people living in coastal areas and places facing water shortages.

While traditional plants use plenty of electricity and costly equipment, the new system works solely on the power of solar energy. Since the desalination process is powered by the sun, this technology does not need any other sources of energy and is therefore very suitable for use in faraway places and locations without electricity supplies.

As per the South China Morning Post, the researchers claimed that after about two years of working, the production cost of the water will become cheaper than bottled water cost. In such a way, the price of safe drinking water will become much cheaper without using bottles made from plastic.

The model showed its excellent efficiency in absorbing solar energy at up to 90.2 percent during outdoor experiments. The high absorption rate means that the system can absorb more solar energy and generate more heat, thus making the whole process more efficient.

The system uses solar power for heating up seawater in order to generate vapor containing salt deposits as leftovers. Then, the vapor condenses into a liquid state. This technology relies on solar power alone and does not involve any other source of energy, thus being very ecological due to zero greenhouse gases emissions.

Water shortages have become an increasingly grave issue in the world because of climate change, increase in population, and increase in the demand for water. It is estimated that billions of individuals are affected by water shortages at some point during the year. The use of sustainable desalination technology utilizing renewable energy sources is thus attracting much interest as a means of ensuring access to clean water.

Though the technology is in the experimental phase, it holds great promise for the future in terms of helping households, relief efforts, agriculture and small coastal areas. With further advancements and mass implementation, solar desalination could prove to be a valuable tool for tackling the world’s increasing water problem.