Funds for Renewable Desalination Research

Oman has approved funding for research into harnessing renewable energy sources for water desalination in the sultanate

The Research Council has approved funding for research projects that aim to harness renewable energy sources for water desalination in the Sultanate — a move designed to alleviate the nation’s overdependence on energy-intensive gas-based desalination to meet soaring domestic water demand.

The initiative, according to a senior official, is a key part of the apex R&D institution’s newly unveiled Renewable Energy Research Strategy Programme. Funded by a grant running into several millions of Omani rials, the programme seeks to unlock the Sultanate’s immense renewable energy potential in support of economic, social and strategic national goals.

“The Council’s vision is to encourage high quality scientific, experimental research to seek and propose real solutions for national challenges of renewable energy and energy efficiency,” said Dr Ahmed Said al Busaidi, Programme Manager of the Renewable Energy Research Programme. “Pilot research initiatives planned as part of this programme will enhance capacity building and knowledge transfer, as well as contribute to the comprehensive sustainable development of Oman,” he added.

Examples of research proposals that will attract funding support from the Council include the following: (i) solar power member desalination using seawater (ii) solar photovoltaic powered reverse osmosis brackish water desalination, and (iii) solar powered multiple effect distillation using seawater.

Also of interest to the Council are research proposals that aim to enhance the performance of humidification and dehumidification units, and desalination technologies for irrigation, among other themes. The quest for sustainable technologies and cost-effective solutions in tackling surging potable water demand comes amid rising investment in gas-based desalination schemes, according to Dr Al Busaidi.

Source: Oman Observer

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Taxonomy

• Research
• Desalination
• Renewable Energy