MODELING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF LOW-CARBON DESALINATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR ARID COASTAL REGIONS

Abstract

The article examines the feasibility and architecture of a circular water system that couples renewable-energy-powered seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) and electrolysis to produce green hydrogen in an arid coastal zone of Western Kazakhstan. The methodology combines a critical review of technological and techno-economic options, comparison of energy supply configurations (solar/wind; continuous/intermittent operation), and analysis of water-conditioning routes for electrolyzers (desalinated seawater and polishing of treated wastewater). The study shows that integrating SWRO with proton-exchange-membrane electrolysis is technically feasible; the required feedwater quality is attainable via membrane polishing trains; and wind-driven intermittent operation can lower capital expenditure by reducing storage needs. Practical implications include enhanced regional water security and decarbonization alongside potential hydrogen exports. The paper outlines pilot-scale pathways and scale-up considerations tailored to the Mangystau context