Likelihood of significant cost reductions in desalination

Abstract

Desalination costs have been shown to have fallen considerably in real cost terms until the recent material cost rises occurred. It seems unlikely that entirely new processes will take the place of existing techniques during the next few years. The emphasis for development is therefore on steady improvements in existing processes. Savings in capital costs by cheaper materials and mass production of components and in operation and energy costs can all contribute to progressive rather than dramatic fall in real costs. It is probably only in brackish water and effluent treatment that desalination can become competitive with conventional treatment techniques in cost terms. There could be considerable scope for such applications in Third World as well as industrialized countries.