Abdul Karim Erqawy

Moroccan inventor who created the world's first solar-powered desalination system for rural communities

Abdul Karim Erqawy (b. 1982) is a Moroccan engineer whose innovative solar desalination technology has transformed water access in arid regions. While studying at Rabat's Hassan II University, he observed how coastal communities in the Sahara faced both water scarcity and abundant saltwater resources. His 2008 invention, the Desal Solar 2000, uses concentrated solar power to evaporate seawater, capturing freshwater vapor without electricity. This system has been deployed in 15 African countries through his NGO Desal Solutions, providing clean water to 500,000+ people. His peer-reviewed research in renewable desalination inspired the UAE's National Solar Desalination Plan, and his 2015 TED Talk 'Thirst No More' has 8 million views. Erqawy's modular designs cost 70% less than traditional plants and won the 2019 Global Water Innovation Prize. His latest project, Oasis 3.0, combines desalination with vertical farming to create self-sustaining communities in desert regions. The World Bank has adopted his model in 12 developing nations, making him a pivotal figure in sustainable water solutions.