Water scarcity in arid regions has accelerated the adoption of desalination technologies, yet these often carry high energy costs and environmental impacts, particularly due to brine discharge.
This study examines societal concerns and conflicts linked to developing a solar-powered thermal desalination system for irrigation in Spain’s water-stressed Almería region, aiming for resource recovery and circular water economy.
Through a context-sensitive, participatory design, technical scenarios were evaluated alongside stakeholder feedback, highlighting the need for sustainable, socially accepted desalination solutions that balance environmental, economic, and social considerations.