Sustainability of Desalination (Paperback)

Dwindling fresh water supplies and increasing energy demand are two issues facing developing countries. These two issues are especially salient in connection with global climate change, and will have significant impact on future development in these countries as they continue to struggle with maintaining reliable supplies of both. Mumbai, the capitol of India, is a representative example of a mega-city in a developing country that is dealing with both of these issues simultaneously. While many possible solutions abound in attainment of these supply goals, Mumbai has opted to pursue desalination - the production of clean or potable water from brackish or sea water - as a supply side solution for meeting the widening gap in supply and actual demand of water that currently exists. As desalination is an energy intensive process, the prospect of widening the gap that also exists between electricity supply and actual demand is of significant concern. Finding ways in which both demands can be achieved simultaneously without detriment towards reaching the other is therefore of utmost importance, and will rely on innovative methods...