Large Scale Desalination as a Cost Effective, Controlled Electric Load Resource

Desalination of seawater and river water is a known technology with the capability of addressing the needs for clean and clear water. The process has a unique capability of storage which has a nexus to energy storage. The concomitant potential for system load factor improvement is discussed here, and the potential for favorable net present value of desalination plants is discussed. Application areas are also discussed. One conclusion is that desalination offers a real possibility for power marketing and this is especially attractive in view of the decline of electric energy sales in North America over the last eight years. As an example, a rough estimate of the electric energy requirement for California is given if 10% of statewide clean water is obtained by desalination. The paper also gives a brief overview of desalination internationally.