in addition, msf distillation plants, especially large ones, are often paired with power plants in a cogeneration configuration. waste heat from the power plant is used to heat the seawater, providing cooling for the power plant at the same time. this reduces the energy needed by half to two-thirds, which drastically alters the economics of the plant, since energy is by far the largest operating cost of msf plants. reverse osmosis, msf distillation's main competitor, requires more pretreatment of the seawater and more maintenance, as well as energy in the form of work (electricity, mechanical power) as opposed to cheaper low-grade waste heat.