Sustainable energy generation processes in the deserts of solar-rich countries

Abstract

A sustainable energy generation system in solar-rich countries can establish the process of desert community development in these areas. To test the validity of this hypothesis, potential assessment of deserts’ solar power is carried out. The results reveal that considerable amounts of electric power and potable water can be produced locally at these deserts sites. In this paper, the basic needs of a sizeable desert community are identified; their total energy requirements are estimated and then the capability of available solar potential to meet these energy needs is calculated. A sustainable energy generation model is devised to attain the objective of power generation and potable water production. The processes of solar power generation, desalination and storage systems are built in the proposed model. The sustainable development process is based on the utilization of renewable energy, self-contained nature of energy generation system and environment-friendly nature of power and water production.