Solving Water Shortages in Deserts: The Feasibility of Desalination-Solar Power Plants

Many of the world's deserts are located adjacent to water sources, and some might suggest combining solar power plants with desalination facilities to alleviate the pressing water shortage issue. This idea sounds promising at first glance, but it is not without significant challenges and financial considerations.

Challenges of Implementing Desalination-Solar Power Plants

While technically feasible, the high cost of such a project is a major hurdle. The question remains: how would the investors and developers fund this endeavor? The solution proposed in an earlier answer to a similar question for California doesn't align, as the region is dealing with a shortage of inexpensive rather than accessible water. The cost of water in many desert areas is already high, specifically $2.00 per 1000 gallons. To compete with this price point, a desalination-solar power plant would need to generate a significant amount of water. This means the plant would need to produce a large volume of fresh water, and the returns on investment would need to be substantial to justify the initial investment.

Moreover, if this idea were to make money for investors or banks selling long-term debt, it would already be widespread. The key issue here is the requirement of "next to water sources." Altering this to allow for competition in water supply closer to the suggested price point could be more beneficial. There are already methods to economically transport water thousands of miles using solar energy. For instance, consider the vast amount of fresh water leaving the Amazon River and compare it to the needs of the arid regions. Several desert cities already have more than 100 percent of their current water usage, making it a feasible and measured venture.

Environmental and Practical Considerations

It is worth noting that many deserts aren't simply adjacent to water sources. The water availability in these regions is often dictated by environmental conditions. In such cases, exploiting these water sources for further development would be counterproductive. However, if a reliable and sustainable water source exists, it could be an excellent resource for agriculture and other activities.

Desalination is a method of removing salt from seawater, which is why such facilities are typically located near oceans. Desalination faces its own set of challenges. Even with the extremely low cost of solar energy, the process of converting seawater into potable water via desalination is still expensive, particularly in most countries. However, countries like Saudi Arabia can afford to use desalinated water for household and household purposes. But as of now, no country can afford to use desalinated water for agricultural purposes.

Conclusion: The Pros and Cons of Combining Solar Power and Desalination in Deserts

The concepts of combining solar power and desalination in desert regions are intriguing but fraught with economic and practical challenges. While technically feasible, the high costs and environmental considerations must be taken into account. The technology exists to make these plants efficient, but the financial and economic models need to be strong to make them viable.

Deserts, despite their challenging environments, are indeed promising candidates for solar farms. The key is not just to assume that the proximity to water sources is a given, but to explore innovative ways to manage and transport water, leveraging solar energy for both desalination and power generation.