US Army to test tech that turns thin air into clean drinking water

The US Army has partnered with Montana-based AirJoule Technologies to develop and test a novel technology that converts waste heat into clean drinking water from ambient air, aiming to enhance water self-sufficiency for troops in challenging environments. Under a three-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement signed on October 7, 2025, the collaboration leverages the Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) expertise in energy systems alongside AirJoule’s patented atmospheric water generation platform. This system uses advanced sorbent materials to absorb water vapor even at low humidity, then employs a vacuum and waste heat to release and condense the vapor into potable water, operating efficiently by reusing internal heat through simultaneous capture and release cycles. This technology promises to reduce the logistical burden and risks associated with traditional water resupply missions, which often require fuel-intensive transport and expose personnel to danger. By harnessing waste heat from tactical generators, the system could provide soldiers with a reliable source of distilled water in deserts, disaster zones