The Ministry of Science and ICT said on the 15th that it will push ahead with on-site demonstration of next-generation seawater desalination technology together with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). The aim is to solve water shortages through science and technology in preparation for climate crisis conditions, including severe drought.
The technology to be demonstrated combines solar thermal energy with a membrane distillation method for next-generation desalination. Membrane distillation uses the principle in which vapor generated from heated seawater passes through a membrane with microscopic pores and condenses in a cold fresh water tank. Compared with the widely used reverse osmosis or evaporation methods, it operates at lower temperatures and pressures, offering higher energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
With support from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the technology developed by KIST reduced energy consumption by 30% using solar heat while increasing fresh water production efficiency by 9.6%. However, it is currently at an early, laboratory-level stage, and additional demonstrations and technological advancement are needed for application in real-world environments.
The demonstration will take place at the Marine Science Education Center of Gangneung-Wonju National University in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. Located near the sea, the site can draw in seawater directly, providing an environment suitable for long-term demonstration. The desalination facility will be transported and installed on-site in September, and full-scale demonstration is planned to run for about two months from October through the end of November.
First Vice Minister Gu Hyeok-chae of the Ministry of Science and ICT said, "Through this demonstration, we will verify the field applicability of existing research results, prepare improvement measures, and produce practical research outcomes that can directly contribute to easing drought."
KIST President Oh Sang-rok also said, "KIST has set missions to respond to the climate crisis and is working to deliver results that the public can feel," adding, "We will accelerate field-centered innovative research and development so that we can play a leading role in solving not only drought but also climate and environmental issues."