Jordan Tests Tech That Captures Carbon and Creates Water

A technology that turns pollution into water could offer hope to Jordan, one of the most water-stressed countries on Earth.

Scientists are exploring whether carbon capture systems at Jordanian factories and power plants could do double duty. While trapping climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions, the same equipment could pull water vapor from exhaust gases and turn it into usable water.

The idea comes from a recent study in Nature Sustainability showing that emissions-reduction technology doesn't have to just fight climate change. It can create new water sources too.

For Jordan, where 10 million people share water resources meant for far fewer, the concept offers a glimmer of possibility. The country already loses up to 50% of its agricultural water and faces ongoing disputes over regional water rights with neighbors.

Dr. Mona Hindieh, a professor at the German Jordanian University, says the technology makes most sense at industrial facilities. Factories with steady streams of humid exhaust gases and available waste heat could recover water and use it onsite, avoiding expensive pumping and transportation costs.

The key question is whether the water recovered exceeds the water and energy needed to run the capture system. Environmental expert Dr. Duraid Mahasneh explains that carbon capture requires three stages: trapping emissions at the source, transporting the captured gas, and storing it safely so it never returns to the atmosphere.

The Bright Side

Jordan doesn't need this technology to replace its main water strategies like desalination and fixing leaky pipes. Instead, it could give industrial facilities a way to become more self-sufficient while helping the climate.

The approach could lower costs for factories, reduce their environmental footprint, and free up more water for households and farms. In a country where agriculture consumes 60% of available water, every drop that industry can generate for itself matters.

Experts agree Jordan needs a pilot project first. Testing at a real facility would measure how much water the system produces, what it costs per gallon, and whether the quality meets drinking or industrial standards.

The technology won't solve Jordan's water crisis alone, but it represents the kind of creative thinking water-scarce nations need. By turning an emissions problem into a water opportunity, Jordan could show other drought-prone countries a path forward.

Scientists say the next step is moving from theory to real-world testing, where the true potential will become clear.

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