There is a tremendous buzz of excitement going on in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – not to mention the rest of the world - and for a very good reason! Construction has begun in the Kingdom on a water desalination plant – this would prove to be the world’s first such operation.
If the term, “desalination” is foreign to you, this describes the process of taking salt water, extracting the minerals from this and creating fresh water instead. This process can provide fresh water to an area which may have none or can supplement a limited water supply. Saudi Arabia is already a powerhouse in this area as it produces 18 per cent of our world’s desalinated water.
It is very clever thinking to harness and utilize solar energy with this plant. Solar energy is, of course, free and plentiful. If you have placed solar energy panels on your own house roof or even hung wet laundry out to dry in the sunshine on a clothesline, you will have recognized the cost-savings. Just like your own sliding power bill costs, the plant’s operational costs will be reduced as well as the associated consumer end costs (this will make both you and me much happier!). Geographically, Saudi Arabia makes for a picture perfect spot to build such a plant as there is no shortage of sunshine here; residents can bask in sunlight throughout the year. The sun burns brightly – releasing about 7,000 watts of energy per square meter over a 12-hour period.
This will prove to be an interesting project and one well-worth watching as it proceeds. Saudi Arabia’s new water desalination plant is an exciting initiative with tremendous implications. It will impact our world, our people and our environment. The buzz of excitement is just the beginning … will other countries now follow this example?
