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Sint Eustatius, an island located in the Caribbean region, faces growing challenges related to water scarcity and climate change. Limited freshwater availability, combined with a strong dependence on imported food, makes the island particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events and disruptions in global supply chains.
To address these issues, the Xploration Coastline Concept (XCC) was introduced, integrating mobile water desalination units into the island’s water supply system. This innovative approach aims to secure freshwater availability, support local agriculture, and enhance overall climate resilience.
The desalination system is designed to produce 1,000 m³ of water during crisis conditions such as hurricanes and tropical storms, and 500 m³ during non-crisis periods. For this assessment, the non-crisis scenario was evaluated, focusing on how desalinated water can support agricultural activities and reduce reliance on imported produce through improved local food production.
Quantifying the Impact
The impact of the mobile desalination project was evaluated using two methodologies: the Water Footprint Network (WFN) method and the ISO 14046 method.
Under the WFN method, the project is estimated to generate 190.8 CAPs annual and 953.8 CAPs over a five-year period, while the ISO 14046 method indicates 282.8 CAP equivalents annual and 1,414.2 CAP equivalents over a five-year period. One CAP corresponds to 1,000 m³ of water.
The cost per CAP was calculated at €5,564.70 under the WFN method and for the ISO 14046 method the cost was calculated at €3,752.90 per CAP equivalents. While these figures reflect a relatively high cost per unit of water, they also represent a strategic investment in food and water security for a small, climate-vulnerable island.
Social, Economic and Environmental Co-Benefits
Beyond its direct contribution to water availability, the mobile desalination project generates multiple additional benefits:
Social Benefits
- Increases water security for communities during extreme weather events
- Strengthens local resilience and adaptive capacity
- Enhances food security by supporting local agriculture
Economic Benefits
- Reduces dependence on imported food, supporting local producers
- Stimulates the development of agricultural value chains on the island
- Creates jobs linked to system operation, maintenance, and agricultural activities
Environmental Benefits
- Renewable energy to power desalination, reducing carbon emissions
- Provides a flexible, mobile water solution that can adapt to changing climate conditions
- Supports sustainable land and water use by integrating water supply with local food systems
Looking Ahead
The Sint Eustatius mobile desalination project illustrates how technological innovation can address multiple sustainability challenges simultaneously. By combining water production, renewable energy, and agricultural development, the XCC approach offers a forward-looking model for small island states confronting water scarcity and climate-related risks.
With strategic investment and continued innovation, mobile desalination technologies have the potential to strengthen climate resilience and enhance self-sufficiency in vulnerable regions around the world.