Solar-powered membrane desalination set for Atacama Desert in Chile

[Judi Lynn]

Solar-powered membrane desalination set for Atacama Desert in Chile
SANTIAGO, Chile
March 13, 2013

The world’s largest copper-producing nation is looking to integrate a solar powered desalination facility in the Atacama Desert’s Lluta Valley to boost water supplies for agriculture.

In a statement published in the Electricidad website, Chilean government funded technology promoter Fundacion Chile said that the project involves the development of a production process for irrigation water using membrane separation technologies with low energy consumption.

The Lluta river basin is one of the most widely used for the agricultural industry in the region of Arica and Parinacota, which supplies agricultural water resources. High salinity water at present restricts its use for agricultural irrigation.

Brackish water will be filtered through the plant using solar energy, providing suitable quality water for irrigation. The "Solar Energy with membrane technology" project has been backed by the Innovation Fund for Competitiveness (FIC).

Elsewhere, solar powered desalination is gathering momentum. Abu Dhabi announced last year a trial to construct solar desalination plants across the Emirate.

http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2013/03/solar-powered-desalination-set-for-chile.html

(Short story, no more at link.)

[Control-Z]

1. And here, in the US,

what are we doing? Honest question. I don't know. I do know that as of just a few tears ago we (in the OC) were the only county in the US to recycle water. I don't think much has changed. Anyone know?

[FBaggins]

2. There's some (and it's growing)

I think there's a new plant that will provide about 10% of San Diego's water pretty soon.

[wtmusic]

3. The Carlsbad Desalination Project will be the big player in San Diego

but it will use plain old electricity from the plain old grid. With San Onofre online, of course, that grid is a lot cleaner.

Without it, CDP will contribute 2 million metric tons of carbon over 30 years.

http://www.sdcoastkeeper.org/learn/san-diegos-water-supply/desalination.html

[Control-Z]

4. Excellent information

at the link you provided. I had no idea. It is amazing to me that desalination could prove to be such a difficult undertaking. On the surface, it seems like a perfect answer to abundant clean water.

Thanks for posting!

[Control-Z]

6. Thanks!

Your response prompted wtmusic to provide an informative link!

[Buzz Clik]

7. San Antonio has been agressive, imaginative, and highly successful in water re-use.

That includes desalination. I do not believe, however, that the desalination plant is solar.

[Buzz Clik]

5. Disposal of the resulting super saline water is an issue. Where will it go?