This system could help turn deserts into farms and clean energy hubs

Spotted: The global population is continuing to grow, and as it does, more land will be required to produce food and clean energy. At the same time, there are vast tracts of desert going unused because they are too hot and dry. But what if there was a way to cool these regions affordably?

This is the question that startup AtmoCooling is hoping to answer. The company claims its technology can create microclimates between 10 and 10,000 hectares in size by reducing air temperatures by up to 15 degrees Celsius.

AtmoCooling's technology pumps saline water from a nearby source, such as the sea or brine from desalinisation plants. This water is then released from a set of pylons, with the water droplet sizes tailored to optimise evaporative cooling across target areas. Hot dry winds then pass through the droplets, evaporating the moisture and creating cooler conditions downwind. By using algorithms trained on historical weather data and real-time sensor feedback, the system can provide cooling without the need for fresh water.

The company states that its system has several potential uses, including boosting yields in desert agriculture by reducing irrigation costs and enhancing soil conditions, allowing crops to be grown in harsh environments.

The technology could also enhance the efficiency of solar farms by ensuring photovoltaic panels operate at optimal temperatures and reducing the accumulation of dust. Plus, AtmoCooling could make it more comfortable to live in urban desert communities, reducing the reliance on air conditioning and minimising energy use.