Author Archives: Hassiba Bouabdesselam

About Hassiba Bouabdesselam

Hassiba Bouabdesselam is a Professor and Research Project Leader in sustainable water management and circular economy. She coordinates the Algerian Centre of Excellence in Water Desalination, a collaborative platform bringing together four university institutions. Her expertise lies in water desalination and sustainable water technologies, supported by a strong academic background and numerous scientific publications. Her research addresses emerging materials for desalination, energy-efficient water and wastewater treatment processes, and the integration of artificial intelligence for energy optimization, with a particular focus on water security and environmental sustainability in the MENA region.

Data Centers, AI and the Water–Energy Nexus: Toward Sustainable Digital Infrastructure in the MENA Region

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Abstract The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperscale data centers is reshaping global electricity demand while intensifying water dependency. This article analyzes the structural energy transition associated with AI-driven computational scaling, examines the implications for the water–energy nexus, and discusses technological and governance pathways for sustainable digital infrastructure. Particular attention is given to water-stressed regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where digital expansion must align with hydric constraints and renewable energy strategies. Digital Acceleration and Structural Energy Transition The global digital ecosystem is undergoing an unprecedented transformation driven by artificial intelligence, hyperscale cloud computing, … Continue reading →

Zero Liquid Discharge and Brine Valorization in Seawater Desalination: Perspectives for the MENA Region

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Abstract The expansion of seawater desalination has significantly increased global brine production, exceeding 140 million m³/day, with more than half generated in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region [1]. Brine disposal poses environmental and economic challenges, particularly in semi-enclosed marine systems. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and brine valorization strategies aim to eliminate liquid effluent while recovering water and valuable minerals. This study analyzes current ZLD configurations, mineral recovery pathways, and techno-economic constraints. Particular attention is given to the Saudi Arabian national strategy as a leading example of industrial-scale brine mining. The findings indicate that hybrid membrane–thermal systems combined … Continue reading →

Water Engineers: A Pillar for National Water Security in Water-Stressed Regions

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Water scarcity is now recognized as one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century. Climate change, population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion have intensified pressure on already limited freshwater resources, particularly in water-stressed regions such as the Mediterranean and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) [1,2]. According to UNESCO, more than two-thirds of the global population experience water scarcity for at least one month per year, with projections indicating further deterioration under current climate scenarios [1]. Within this context, the role of the water engineer has fundamentally evolved. Beyond the design and operation of treatment plants … Continue reading →

Water Security and Transboundary Conflicts: Geopolitical Challenges and Sustainable Water Governance

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Water security has become a central determinant of geopolitical stability and sustainable development, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Increasing water demand, combined with climate change and fragmented governance of shared water resources, is intensifying tensions between states. This article analyzes transboundary water conflicts through several emblematic cases and highlights the critical role of cooperative governance, with a particular focus on the North Western Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS). This study emphasizes that scientific transparency, institutional coordination, and regional cooperation are key to preventing water-related conflicts and ensuring long-term water security. Water as a Strategic Security Issue Water is no longer … Continue reading →

Green Hydrogen: Global Dynamics, MENA Perspectives and Algeria’s Decarbonization Strategy

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Global energy systems are undergoing a structural transformation driven by the urgency of climate change mitigation, long-term sustainability concerns, and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Paris Agreement and subsequent national commitments to carbon neutrality by mid-century have reinforced the necessity of deep and rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the economy. Although renewable electricity generation—particularly solar photovoltaics and wind power—has expanded significantly over the past decade, the electrification of final energy demand faces intrinsic limitations in sectors characterized by high-temperature industrial processes, energy-dense fuels, and long-duration storage requirements [1]. Green hydrogen has … Continue reading →

Desalination as an Integrated Water–Energy–Material System in Water-Stressed Regions

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Water scarcity has become a structural constraint for sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions. In North Africa, declining renewable water availability, recurrent droughts, population growth and agricultural demand have pushed conventional water resources beyond their renewal capacity. As a result, seawater desalination has evolved from an emergency response to a strategic infrastructure for national water security. However, the rapid expansion of desalination systems has revealed systemic challenges extending beyond water production. Energy consumption, membrane fouling, chemical use, brine discharge and environmental impacts increasingly determine the sustainability and social acceptability of desalination. At the same time, desalination brine—traditionally considered a … Continue reading →