31 January 2012
The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) is constructing 30 solar desalination plants in different locations of Abu Dhabi emirate, of which 22 plants have already been completed that will generate 1050KwH of clean energy and 6600 gallons of clean water per day. The eco-friendly desalination plants will also provide drinking water for the Arabian Oryx, an endangered species, in the desert. The plants are being used to create watering holes for the newly-introduced Oryxes, as well as to irrigate natural vegetation to create food and shelter for these animals. The solar desalination technique is a zero-carbon process. It reduces the cost of water treatment, especially in desert areas where dust and high temperature impair the efficiency of solar panels used in the existing desalination system. EAD is still testing this new solar desalination technique and working to perfect its efficiency through its pilot project in Umm Al Zamool. The purpose of this pilot project is to obtain data upon which to make recommendations to develop more stations and reduce its capital cost in the future and also increase efficiency.
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