Possibility of Implementing Large-Scale Solar Desalination System in the Republic of South Africa

Abstract

This paper examines the viability of introducing solar thermal desalination technology as a means to supplement existing water production methods in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The study provides an overview of the current state of desalination technology in the country. A key aspect of this study involves comparing the RSA with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, using publicly available studies and reports. The focus of this comparison is to highlight the potential implementation of large-scale solar desalination in the RSA by evaluating the respective resources and environmental data that directly impact the input and output of a thermal desalination system. The study comparatively analyzes the environmental conditions and seawater salinity of the RSA and the MENA region. The RSA receives a higher solar irradiation range of 4.5–6.5 kWh/m2, whereas the MENA region experiences a range of 3.5–5.5 kWh/m2. Additionally, the salinity of the RSA’s seawater ranges between 35 and 35.5 parts per thousand, which is lower than the MENA region’s range of 36–40 parts per thousand. The study also reviews and proposes the adoption of an emerging thermal desalination method that has been successfully tested in the MENA region and other countries, based on its performance.