SOLAR DESALINATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BAHRAIN A TECHNICAL REPORT Assessment Cover Sheet Assessment Title: Technical Report Writing Program Title: Course No: Course Title: Group number: Bridging Program CE6104 Presentation skills and Engineering Report Writing 7 Student ID: Tutor: Semester: 2022A 202306610/202306694/20306599 Mahmood Hammad Date: By submitting this assessment for marking, either electronically or as hard copy, I confirm the following: This assignment is my own work ➤ Any information used has been properly referenced. ➤ I understand that a copy of my work may be used for moderation. I have kept a copy of this assignment Do not write below this line. For Polytechnic use only. Assessor: Date of Marking: Grade/Mark: General Feedback: Table of Contents Abstract SUMMARY ii INTRODUCTION. Theory and BACKGROUND. Current Desalination Methods in Bahrain Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) Distillation........ Reverse Osmosis. Solar Desalination.. Solar Still Distillation Solar Multi-Effect Distillation (MED). Solar Reverse Osmosis (RO)...... Technical Requirements. Environmental Impact...... DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS CONCLUSION. Recommendation. Bibliography 1 1 2 2 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 Table of Figures Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 3. Figure 4 Figure 5. i 3 4 6 7 8 Abstract SUMMARY With limited freshwater resources and increasing demand, Bahrain has relied heavily on energy-intensive seawater desalination. However, conventional desalination methods have high economic and environmental costs. Solar desalination presents a sustainable solution to expand capacity. This report assesses the potential of solar desalination in Bahrain in terms of technical feasibility, cost-competitiveness, and impacts. Analysis shows solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies can provide a stable year-round energy source for distillation and membrane processes with minimal emissions. Solar desalination has 60-80% lower fossil fuel usage than conventional facilities, reducing both costs and environmental damage. Initial capital expenditures remain a barrier, though innovative financing can improve cost viability as solar reaches grid parity. Given excellent solar resources, desalination expertise, and sustainability commitments in Bahrain, solar-powered systems are highly feasible with proper policy support. Pilot projects paired with incentives can catalyze adoption. In conclusion, solar desalination can enhance water security and environmental stewardship, advancing Bahrain's sustainable development. ii INTRODUCTION The arid climate and the region's limited supply of natural freshwater resources further exacerbate Bahrain's water scarcity, which is already a serious and pressing issue. Per capita, the renewable freshwater availability in the country is 118 cubic metres, which is considerably lower than the critical threshold for acute water scarcity. Consequently, the country faces substantial limitations with regard to food production, economic advancement, and public health (FAO, 2012; Al-Ansari et al., 2014). Bahrain has adopted a strategy of increasing its reliance on desalination as a means to address this issue. At present, the nation possesses an interconnected system of thirty desalination facilities capable of generating in excess of 1.5 million cubic meters of water daily. This source contributes significantly to Bahrain's potable water provision, exceeding 60% (Ramamurthy & Murthy, 2017; Al-Zubari, 2003). On the contrary, conventional methods of desalination, most notably reverse osmosis (RO), demand substantial investments of energy and resources (Baseer et al., 2023). Bahrain is further reliant on nonrenewable fossil fuels due to its excessive water usage, which is primarily used for agricultural purposes (Abou Zaki et al., 2022). In light of the aforementioned obstacles, the present study aims to assess the viability and environmental impact of solar desalination as a viable substitute. Desalination by solar energy-powered membrane processes or thermal distillation is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly method of producing potable water (Mathioulakis et al., 2007; Li et al., 2013). This article aims to evaluate the viability, cost implications, and environmental advantages of solar desalination in Bahrain. By conducting an exhaustive inquiry, this research aims to provide crucial insights that will direct future endeavors in the direction of sustainability. Theory and BACKGROUND The Background section will delve into the intricacies of current desalination methods in Bahrain, primarily focusing on the Reverse Osmosis (RO) technique. It will elucidate the mechanism of RO, supplemented by technical drawings and graphical data, and critically 1 examine its environmental impact. This section aims to comprehensively understand the existing technology, setting the stage for a comparative analysis of solar desalination methods. Current Desalination Methods in Bahrain Bahrain currently relies on two main technologies for large-scale desalination - multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) Distillation MSF accounts for approximately 65% of installed capacity, while RO accounts for 35% (Ramamurthy & Murthy, 2017). MSF distillation involves heating salty seawater to produce steam, which condenses to form fresh water free of salts. Bahrain's plants utilize multiple "flashes" or stages to improve energy efficiency. However, it remains an energy-intensive process requiring substantial heating (Al-Shammiri & Safar, 1999). The Al Hidd plant, with 27 MSF stages, is one of the world's largest MSF installations (Ali et al., 2011). Other major MSF facilities include the Al Dur and Sitra plants. Reverse Osmosis In Bahrain, the primary method for desalination is Reverse Osmosis (RO), a technology that has been optimized over the years to address the country's acute water scarcity. The RO process involves the use of a semi-permeable membrane to separate salt and other impurities from seawater, thereby producing potable water. RO uses semi-permeable membranes and high pressure to physically filter out dissolved salts (Fig. 1). RO technology has advanced in recent decades to become more energy efficient. It involves lower temperatures and operating costs than MSF (Darwish et al., 2008). Key RO plants in Bahrain include the Al Hidd RO expansion and the new Al Dur Phase 2 RO plant opened in 2015. 2/n