The economics of desalination

The economic development of the process of desalination depends upon its ability to produce water that is competitive on a cost basis with water from conventional sources. Energy costs can be minimized by combining the water plants with power plants and thus allocating the energy charges. This article analyzes the thermodynamics of dual-purpose plants and shows how the economics is applied to obtain low energy costs for desalination. However, such plants also have certain cost limitations and penalties that must be included in any appraisal. The major factors to be considered are examined and discussed.