MED-CSD

Combined solar power and desalination plants: technico-economic potential in Mediterranean Partner countries

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The growing economies in the southern and eastern Mediterranean area increasingly need affordable and efficient energy and water for sustainable development. Hybrid solar/fossil thermal power plants with combined sea water desalination based on concentrating solar power technology (CSP) offer a unique, cost efficient solution to the growing energy and water demand. Hybrid solar/fossil operation offers a smooth transition from the fossil fuel to a solar economy and provides firm power capacity to the grid with up to 8000 full load operating hours per year. The main objective of the MED CSD project is the assessment of the technico-economic potential of CSP for electricity and desalination in Mediterranean region, particularly the Mediterranean Partners Countries (MPCs) (WP3) based on a technology review and considering the results of past and on-going studies and projects (Aqaba project as a reference) (WP1) and attained through the realization of feasibility studies in Mediterranean countries and an impact assessment analysis (WP2). WP1 is the selection of CSP and desalination configurations suitable for application in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region, using information on state of the art of CSP and desalination, specifically engineering performed for Aqaba hybrid CSP desalination plant, and taking into consideration the specific situation and needs where the feasibility studies will be performed. In WP2, a generic feasibility study will be defined and applied to Algeria, Italian Island, Egypt, Morocco and PNA including an impact assessment analysis for a broad dissemination. WP3 will relate to the assessment of the technico-economic potential of CSP for electricity and desalination in Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs). It will be followed by an Action Plan and dissemination of the results (WP4).'

Introduzione (Teaser)

There is a growing energy and water demand in the southern and eastern Mediterranean region. Hybrid solar/fossil thermal power plants with combined sea-water desalination based on concentrating solar power technology offer a cost-efficient solution.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The expanding economies in the southern and eastern Mediterranean area increasingly need affordable and efficient energy and water for sustainable development. EU researchers in the 'Combined solar power and desalination plants: technico-economic potential in Mediterranean partner countries' (MED-CSD) project have investigated how hybrid solar/fossil thermal power plants can help.

The scientists examined the technico-economic potential of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology for electricity and desalination in the Mediterranean. According to them, hybrid solar/fossil operation offers a smooth transition from the fossil fuel to a solar economy. The new system can supply a firm power capacity to the grid, with up to 8;000 full load operating hours per year.

MED-CSD researchers carried out feasibility studies of combined concentrated solar power and desalination plants in five locations: Cyprus, Egypt, the Italian islands, Morocco, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

These studies included a complete review of technology options, an assessment of water demand and deficit as well as of electricity demand, and subsequently market potential scenarios for CSP desalination and electricity generation. Also included was an overview of the socioeconomic impact of a broad dissemination of CSP water desalination.