Sustainable Desalination and Renewable Energy Integration: A Bibliometric Analysis and Review

Abstract

This study takes a close look at how research on desalination using renewable energy has evolved between 2010 and 2024. Based on an analysis of 2154 publications found in the Scopus database, the results show that Saudi Arabia, the United States, and China are among the most active countries in this field. The review also highlights the journals that have had the biggest impact, the main topics being studied, and where most of the work is being published. It shows that turning to renewable energy for desalination brings real environmental and economic benefits, like lowering greenhouse gas emissions and making clean water more accessible. But the study also points out some ongoing challenges—such as high initial costs and the fact that renewable energy depends on changing weather conditions. Looking ahead, it suggests areas worth exploring, including hybrid systems, new high-performance materials, and the use of artificial intelligence to make desalination more efficient.