Adaptive Nozzle valve system for Solar Water powered desalination

Project Information

ANSWER

Grant agreement ID: 728607

DOI

10.3030/728607

Project closed

EC signature date 27 April 2016

Start date 1 May 2016

End date 31 October 2016

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

SOLAR WATER SOLUTIONS OY
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ANSWER (Adaptive Nozzle valve system for Solar Water powered desalination)

Reporting period: 2016-05-01 to 2016-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The largest forecasted growth in the desalination market is for the seawater reverse osmosis market, which indicates the success of membrane technology globally. The use of renewable energy resources for water desalination has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Renewable energy has not been used in desalination plants so far because of its variable nature and high unit costs (batteries). SWS can produce water with renewable energy at a same investment cost as the conventional systems, but at the same time with up to 90% lower operating costs. Over the years 2015-2020, five of the top six markets will be in the Gulf Cooperation Council, while US is in number three position.
The desalination capacity currently installed around the world amounts to 74.7 million m3/d. The Middle East and North Africa is by far the largest regional market for desalination, representing 46.7% of global capacity. This region experiences significant water scarcity, and desalination is an essential part of the regional water utility infrastructure. Desalination technologies are generally installed to produce an alternative water supply for utility systems in areas where natural freshwater resources are scarce. The objectives of the feasibility study were:
1. Preparation of commercial delivery capability.
2. Conduct a market intelligence and competitive analysis, and a market entry plan.
3. Investigating financing, IPR and legal aspects
4. Development of a business plan

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

SWS has built a production facility in Espoo, Finland and we are ready to start producing solar-powered desalination units. Moreover, we have designed a new mini-RO unit for the consumer market. The most lucrative market for SWS commercial units is Australia and the Caribbean Islands. The Middle East remains a very interesting market, yet the demand seems to be higher for very large units as the population live more in bigger cities and not in remote off-grid locations. The price of diesel is relatively low, so there is more competition from conventional diesel powered units. We are going to test the market for SWS new mini-RO unit in the Scandinavia. In parallel, we will begin a pilot plant project in Abu Dhabi. The SME 1 finalised the business plan for the new product and provided a clear way forward.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

SWS manufactures solar-powered reverse osmosis desalination systems. Our desalination solutions operate with renewable energy without battery or electric grid.

Image from Hanko pilot plant

Image from Hanko pilot plant

Image from Hanko pilot plant