Mediterranean – Dead Sea Channel for Preserving Dead Sea Level and Increasing Solar Energy Production

Abstract

Currently, for the Israeli society there exist three closely connected challenges whose solution will be able to have a great influence on the future prosperity, social and economic aspects of life and to ensure its continuation as an independent and well-developed country. These challenges are the requirements of a sufficient water supply, energy production and environmental protection. Environmental protection refers to the most difficult global problems among which are a rapid decrease in the Dead Sea level, as well as the irreversible and very dangerous increase in salination of Mediterranean Sea water in the offshore zone. The solution includes the construction of a large amount of PV facilities in the Negev area, a channel from the Mediterranean Sea to the Judean Heights area with installation of desalination plants. Finally, the cascade of hydropower electrical stations in the descent from the Judean heights to the Dead Sea. The turbines of hydropower stations will apply the brine from the collecting pools for electricity production and will direct it after use to the Dead Sea. This article represents preliminary analysis of such a project and provides estimation of its probable contribution on energy and water production as well as of its environmental impact.