Teatro del Agua: The Seawater Greenhouse “That Can Change the World”


Seawater Greenhouse inventor Charles Paton teams with the Eden Project and Grimshaw Architects to create the Teatro del Agua.

I last posted on the Seawater Greenhouse in February. After writing that post I felt hopeful that this type of desalination plant would catch on, yet pessimistic that, based on the pictures I saw, it would neither reach the necessary scale to create enough clean water nor attract the type of investors needed to take this plant to the next level.

I’m very happy to find out that I was wrong.

I researched the Seawater Greenhouse again to look for breaking news because I decided back in February that I needed to post on this on a regular basis to spread the word on the technology. By the looks of the Seawater Greenhouse Inventor Charles Paton’s latest project, my effort will not be needed.

Just as the Prius will replace the Hummer on our nation’s roads, the Teatro del Agua shall replace the energy intensive desalination plants of old, worldwide. All the while supplying said world with an endless supply of water and creating an outdoor venue for theatrical performances. Afterall, you can’t spell WATER without A-R-T. (below average pun–my apologies)


The Teatro del Agua requires no fuel to create its massive amounts of freshwater. It will instead rely on the sea, sun, and wind to create the energy needed to create the water. The technology is quite amazing. Watch for yourself on this YouTube video. The only thing left to report is exactly how much water will be created–the video states “enough for a city” (New York or Cincinnati?).

The planet has reached a tipping point and I believe Paton when he claims this project has the potential to “change the world”, and that “solutions to water also solve the problems of the planet”.

image credits: Grimshaw Architects

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3 Comments

  1. How do ordinary desalination plants work?

  2. solar desalination is not an awfully new idea. Units like this have been in production since the 1950’s, but have lost favor because of low energy costs. They are becoming more popular now though. Here is an example you can buy today:
    http://www.tinox-watermanagement.de/techno1152.htm

    Works on identical principles, but does not form a theater by products.

  3. The Seawater Greenhouse That Can Change the World | nerdd.net…

    \r\nJust as the Prius will replace the Hummer on our nations roads, the Teatro del Agua shall replac…

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