UK researchers have proposed the use of photovoltaic-thermal energy for desalination purposes, via an approach based on synergistic electro-thermal coupling mechanisms. They have found that some system configurations could offer a lower levelized cost of desalinated water, in addition to higher efficiencies.
A hosepipe ban introduced by Thames Water in August, banning its 15m customers from watering gardens or washing cars as it sought to conserve supplies after this summer’s record 40C temperatures, remains in place.
Ms Bentley said the desalination plant was only planned as a “swing site” for intermittent use, able to supply 100 mega-litres a day – five per cent of the capital’s needs.
She told the Standard: “It was operational in time for the Olympics. It’s been operated three times – it was never built as a permanent site. “Because […]
The plant, which was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 2010, is the only one in the UK designed to turn salty seawater into fresh water.Â
It was originally marketed as being able to offer an additional 150 million litres of water a day – but this has now been revised down by a third to 100 million.
It said that regardless of the plant’s current operational status, short term hosepipe bans would still be required to curb water usage.Â
The Multipurpose Applications by Thermodynamic Solar (MATS) plant in Borg El Arab, Egypt has been inaugurated. A research and development initiative aimed at advancing solar energy technology in Egypt and the Middle East, the project was led by a consortium of 11 partners from Italy, France, Egypt, Germany, and the UK, Orascom Construction said in a statement. According to the company, it participated in the funding and the construction of the project. The European Union reportedly co-financed the initiative. The MAT plant comprises an integrated concentrated solar power (CSP) and water desalination facility that can serve a community […]