Paul Akinyemi, a leading expert in Water-Energy systems in the United States, has highlighted the critical threat to water resources in Nigeria and globally. According to Water Aid, 30% of Nigeria’s population lacks access to clean water at home, and the already scarce water resources are at risk of further depletion.

Akinyemi emphasized, “The rapid rate at which our climate is changing is alarming. Beyond the natural imbalances such as warmer temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and loss of species, we are losing freshwater resources. As the saying goes, WATER is LIFE! How can we continue living if this ‘hugely important beyond measure’ resource is threatened?”

In a 2023 presentation at Northeastern University in Boston, Akinyemi discussed the increasing abnormal dryness and drought affecting populations worldwide and proposed desalination as a partial solution.

Akinyemi is conducting ongoing research on integrating renewable energy systems into freshwater production. He cited Egypt and Morocco as examples of countries using renewable-based desalination systems, such as solar desalination. “Technological advancements in the design of electrochemical materials and systems that reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and enable relatively high productivity are necessary,” he stated.

His extensive work in this area has established him as a leading figure among his peers.