A solar-powered solution for water shortage problem in arid and semi-arid regions in coastal countries

Abstract

This paper performs an economic evaluation study for different desalination scenarios to propose a solution to the water shortage problem in the central and southern regions of Iran. Bandar-e Jask in the south and Sirjan in the central region are selected to be studied. The desalination method utilizes a simple solar still or a combination of a solar still and a solar collector. With an interest rate of 4%, the results reveal that production of fresh water in a solar desalination farm comprised of solar still units is an economically favorable scenario for Bandar-e Jask with a cost of 2.25 $/m3. In Sirjan, however, transportation of saline water is not economically and ecologically feasible. Transporting the fresh water produced in the desalination farm in Bandar-e Jask to Sirjan is the best solution for the central regions with a cost of 4.12 $/m3.