Techno-Economic Analysis of Selected PV-BWRO Desalination Plants in the Context of the Water–Energy Nexus for Low–Medium-Income Countries

Jordan was late in adopting seawater and brackish water desalination as a source until the 1990s early 2000s. However, ongoing studies are still discussing technical, economic, socio-political aspects of reverse osmosis (BWRO) plants. In this study, water–energy nexus considered, order to highlight main challenges facing BWRO desalination. We discuss use photovoltaic (PV) technology, together with desalination, an approach compensate for ecological, financial, social Jordan. For purpose, performance nine existing plants agricultural, domestic, industrial sectors is assessed. The assessed based on consumption, safe yield extraction, plant recovery rate (R, %), compliance local international quality standards; Specific Energy Consumption (SEC, kWh/m3) taken evaluation criterion assess energy plants; economic overall cost produced per cubic meter (USD/m3). environmental component brine disposal management practice utilized by each plant. Based assessment, unsustainable patterns production, mismanaged performance, low rates, improper disposal. domestic which completely dependent electricity grid, associated critical costs losses, reflected high SEC values (in range 2.7–5.6 (0.60–1.18 USD/m3). As such, PV solar panels suggested, reduce consumption installation resulted significantly reduced (by 69–74%) total 50–54%), compared from over lifetime