Chapter 6 - Nuclear Energy Powered Seawater Desalination

Abstract

The shortage of drinkable water is a major problem encountered by a good number of countries around the globe. The production of potable water under new strategic cooperation frameworks becomes a visible state of the region that could facilitate the protection and preservation of water resources. This interactive framework may have the possibility to ensure the long-term security for many countries. One of the cost-effective methods of production potable water is the adoption of nuclear powered desalination technology. In this chapter, the state of the art and recent desalination technologies have been reported in-line with their application in renewable energy as comparative approach to nuclear energy. Most up-to date and available data of all operating and planned nuclear desalination units have been discussed. The option of small modular reactors (SMRs) as gaining imputes to desalination technology has been included along with the economic values. Theoretical and computational models needed for evaluating the performance of the coupled nuclear and desalination units have been put together. Computational and experimental facilities required for the desalination process have been included and discussed. Some countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have been selected as case studies for the implementation of nuclear power for the purpose of potable water production in the region. The possibilities and obstacles have been discussed based on scientific and policy-making issues. All these sections paved the way for feasibility studies and techno-economic assessment of nuclear powered desalination units.