# The Synergy of Renewable Energy and Desalination:
## 1 Introduction
Solar photovoltaic energy accounts for 43% of the use of renewable energy, with solar thermal coming in second at 27%, wind at 20%, and hybrid at 10% [12]. However, there is now more interest in this area due to a combination of recent price reductions and technological breakthroughs in renewable energy. Solar energy stands out as a particularly effective resource for desalination. Technologies like solar stills and solar-powered reverse osmosis systems harness sunlight to generate the heat or electricity needed for the desalination process. For instance, solar stills use the natural evaporation of water, which is then condensed and collected, effectively transforming seawater into potable water with minimal carbon footprint [13; 14]. Additionally, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems can generate high temperatures necessary for thermal desalination processes, making them a viable option in arid regions where sunlight is abundant [15]. Moreover, integrating renewable energy with desalination technologies enhances resilience against fluctuating energy prices and supply disruptions. By investing in renewable energy-powered desalination systems, countries can achieve greater energy independence and ensure a stable supply of freshwater. The versatility of solar energy in desalination extends beyond just traditional solar stills. Advanced technologies like photovoltaic (PV) panels can power reverse osmosis systems, offering a more scalable solution to meet larger water demands. Innovations such as solar-powered desalination plants have been successfully implemented in various regions, demonstrating their effectiveness in providing potable water while significantly reducing operational costs. Wind energy is another renewable source that can significantly contribute to sustainable desalination. Wind turbines can generate electricity to power desalination plants, reducing reliance on fossil fuels [16; 17]. In coastal areas where both wind and seawater are readily available, combining wind energy with desalination technologies can create a synergistic approach to addressing freshwater scarcity. This method not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional energy sources [18]. Offshore and onshore wind farms can generate substantial amounts of electricity, which can be directly utilized to power desalination plants [19; 20]. Geothermal energy, which utilizes heat from the Earth's interior, can also be harnessed for desalination. The ability to harness heat from deep within the Earth allows for efficient thermal desalination processes that can operate at lower temperatures compared to conventional methods [21; 22]. This not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances the overall sustainability of the system. It offers a unique advantage for desalination, particularly in regions with significant geothermal resources. In regions with substantial geothermal resources, this energy can be used in various desalination processes, including multi-effect distillation (MED) and multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation. These methods can operate efficiently at lower temperatures, making geothermal energy a sustainable option for producing freshwater while leveraging local resources. However, even though RES-powered desalination plant systems are attractive options to address the global freshwater deficit, there are some challenges and obstacles that slow down the adoption of the technology. In fact, these systems are mostly either part of the national power grid or should have reliable long-term energy storage systems to guarantee a steady and uninterrupted supply of power. Since the significant amount of electricity needed by the entire desalination plant comes from the electrical power grid, under the grid connection scenario, these systems could overload the grid, particularly in places with inadequate infrastructure for the delivery of electricity, at nighttime, and on cloudy days.