Omar Yaghi is developing a two-pronged line of water generation products. The first type involves industrial-scale generators powered by electricity, designed to produce thousands of liters of water daily. The second type features passive systems that can operate in remote locations, utilizing solar energy and ambient temperatures. These innovations are intended to potentially replace traditional desalination methods and municipal water supplies. Field tests for these systems are scheduled to begin in early 2026 in the Mojave Desert, known for its extreme aridity.
Yaghi, along with Watergen’s Chernyavsky, is also exploring decentralized water-gathering appliances that would function independently of municipal utilities. This concept resembles current technologies like rooftop solar panels, allowing households to produce their own water. However, Chernyavsky notes that scaling down these systems may present financial and technical challenges due to the necessity for simultaneous production, cooling, and filtering in a compact setup.
Yaghi’s personal history has influenced his commitment to creating off-grid water solutions. He expressed a desire to provide water independence, reducing reliance on external systems for basic needs. Reflecting on his past, he recounted the impact of water scarcity in Jordan and encouraged future generations to remain observant and passionate in their pursuits.
In a light-hearted moment, when asked how his younger self might react to the current advancements in water technology, Yaghi speculated that his younger counterpart would find such innovations hard to believe, viewing them as far-fetched aspirations. This emphasizes the significant advancements in technology that could redefine water accessibility.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/17/1129259/omar-yaghi-chemist-nobel-prize-crystals-water-air/