Application potential of small-scale solar desalination for brackish water in the Jordan Valley, Palestine

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility of using solar energy coupled to reverse osmosis (RO) units for the desalination of brackish water in the Jordan Valley, the food basket for the West Bank, Palestine. Pilot-scale RO units are appropriate because of the low energy requirement, market availability, size and area and convenience of installation in the Jordan Valley’s harsh conditions. The study concerned the Marj Naajeh desalination unit. The economic feasibility was compared to other alternative energy sources (diesel generators and network electricity). The environmental costs were considered as well as the economic costs. The results obtained suggest upgrading 162 agricultural wells of different water capacities and quality. Further studies on design capacity and efficiency of future desalination facilities would be beneficial.

Keywords:

• Brackish water
• desalination
• RO
• solar PV

Acknowledgement

The financial support provided by the European Desalination Society Secretariat, Italy and the Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence, Palestine, is highly appreciated.

Notes

1. Personal communications between M. Taha and representatives of five Palestinian Solar PV companies have produced figures for costs.