The objectives of the feasibility study were 100% achieved during its 4 months of execution, as described in the work plan and aim at preparing a plan for deployment of a Prototype Field Demonstrator Plant to Las Palmas in the Gran Canary, Spain.
The main conclusion is that we should proceed to the next phase of the R&D which is to apply for H2020 SME Instrument Phase 2. This is to produce a real life prototype field model, to collect real time data and testing configurations for productivity for a low cost(minimum maintenance, energy and running costs) and carbon neutral technology for producing fresh water by the means of seawater desalination using Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) without harming the environment.
What is the problem/issue being addressed?
To produce a low cost (minimum maintenance, energy and running costs) and carbon neutral plant for producing fresh water by the means of seawater desalination using Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) without harming the environment.
Why is it important for society?
The technology addresses and brings to market a solution for one of the major issues facing Europe and the world; access to fresh water and a growing population. It is estimated that ⅔ of the population will face water shortages by 2025 thus affecting human life, wellbeing and ecosystems. Lack of affordable freshwater resources can lead to a number of problems; diseases, wooden fires, destroyed crops, conflict over water, alienating already marginalised groups of society. At the same time industrialisation and climate change is affecting traditional sources of freshwater and has led to a desertification leaving dry areas even more dry, affecting agriculture, farming and industries
It will produce fresh water that can be used in various industrial sectors: municipal, farming, reforestation, domestic.
What are the overall objectives?
Until now, seawater desalination (from the 18.000 plants) is problematic and costly as it runs on fossil fuels thus emitting pollutants into the air and brine back into the sea affecting the salt balance. Solar Water Plc Technology provides a cheap and clean alternative and produces a sustainable supply of freshwater that have the capacity to meet domestic and industrial needs by aiming at producing thousands of cubic metres per day, thus bringing environmental benefits, socioeconomic advantages and improves health and wellbeing.
