Solar Energy For Desalination Technologies in Saudi Arabia Essay

Solar Energy For Desalination Technologies in Saudi-Arabian-Arabian Arabia - Essay ExampleSaudi Arabia is a orbit of paradoxes, not only in its news report and culture but even in its natural resources. In its substrata lies the 18 per cent of all the worlds proven oil reserves, the largest anywhere in the world (Revenue Watch Institute, 2011), and because of this the country is assured of a steady stream of petrodollars that has the potential to make it one of the worlds wealthiest economies. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is situated in one of the worlds most arid regions, with little surface water, very little rainfall, and increasing desertification which is gradual loss of erstwhile arable and fertile land to encroaching aridity (TeachMideast, 2011). Thus while it is abundant in the worlds most expensive natural resource, Saudi Arabia is however sorely lacking in that commodity essential to life and plentiful in nearly every other region of the planet merry water.Through the years the process of desalinization has enabled countries in arid regions to obtain potable water from brackish or seawater. In Saudi Arabia this is being through with(p) today on a large scale through oil powered desalination plants. While the use of fossil fuels poses no present concerns for this oil-rich country, government activity officials, scientists and policy makers are all aware that the supply of oil is not inexhaustible, and eventually shall be depleted. At such time, the country should have been able to prove the capability to desalinate water using sustainable sources of energy such as solar radiation, which this desert region has a limitless supply of. Presently, the country is unable to accomplish solar powered desalination on a large scale, and many are pessimistic that this could be done. Statement of the Research clinical This dissertation aims to explore the viability of harnessing solar energy for the purpose of large desalination of water in Saudi Ara bia. Research questions In order to satisfactorily deliver the goods the research objective, the dissertation shall seek the answers to the following research questions 1. What is the currently prevailing situation of large-quantity water desalination in Saudi Arabia? 2. What is the rate of water manipulation of Saudi Arabias population, and what are the chances of a projected shortfall of potable water in the event of the closure of its oil powered desalination plants? 3. How is large-scale solar powered desalination technology described, and what is its feasibility in Saudi Arabia? Q1 Currently prevailing desalination situation An Overview of Desalination Process in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is the worlds largest producer of the desalinated water, accounting for at least 30 per cent of the total world output. The Kingdom has invested nearly $25 meg in the last 80 years developing the technology for desalination, and in building and operating the desalination plants. Presently, there are some 30 desalination plants in the country, 27 of which supply drinking water to the principal urban centers and industrial locations via a