Pre-Feasibility Analysis of a Desalination Plant Powered by Renewable Energy in Thira, Greece

Abstract

Renewable energy desalination is an excellent solution for areas lacking electrical grid connection or any other source of energy. However, the economic feasibility of renewable energy desalination compared to desalination using grid energy has not been extensively researched. This report presents a technical and financial pre-feasibility assessment for solar and wind energy desalination, compared to conventional desalination in Thira island (Greece). The technical assessment involves design of a desalination unit with a capacity of 1000 m^3per day, using ROSA software. The financial feasibility analysis is carried out using RETScreen, a ‘Clean Energy Project Analysis Software’. The report presents two case scenarios: Solar and Wind power compared to diesel generators, to desalinate seawater. The outcome of this report is to use our feasibility analysis to support implementation of renewable energy desalination in large and medium population locations, besides rural areas, located in geographic regions similar to Thira island. The results of our feasibility analysis reveal a good potential for the development of renewable energy desalination projects: implementing the wind energy option would generate a net present value of 732,295€ with an attractive payback period shorter than 6 years