Jordan is facing a significant challenge in meeting its growing water demands, driven by domestic, agricultural, and energy production needs. In response, researchers are exploring innovative solutions, such as a solar-powered brackish water desalination plant located at the Hashemite University. This facility, known as the HU PV-BWRO, leverages the abundant solar energy in the region to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional desalination methods, which are often hampered by high electricity costs.
Ahmed Bdour, a lead researcher from the Civil Engineering Department at the Hashemite University, emphasizes the importance of this project, stating, “The integration of renewable energy with water production technologies can significantly alleviate water scarcity in semi-arid regions like Jordan.” The study highlights that the specific energy consumption of the HU PV-BWRO is impressively low, at just 1.2 kWh per cubic meter of water produced. This figure represents a substantial reduction—between 140% to 400%—compared to other desalination plants in Jordan with similar capacities.
The economic implications of this technology are noteworthy as well. The cost of energy derived from photovoltaic sources for the plant is approximately $0.042 per cubic meter, which is five times lower than the cost of grid electricity, priced at $0.24 per cubic meter. Consequently, the operational cost of the solar desalination plant, when functioning at full capacity, is around $0.23 per cubic meter. This figure is about 260% less than the operational costs associated with local, grid-powered desalination plants.
Furthermore, the research indicates that operating the plant at just 50% of its capacity could provide enough water to irrigate up to 80% of the university’s campus, thereby enhancing agricultural production. This potential to integrate water supply with agricultural needs underscores the commercial opportunities for the energy sector, particularly in the realm of renewable energy solutions.
As Jordan continues to grapple with water scarcity, the findings from this study, published in Environmental Research Communications, serve as a beacon of hope. The project demonstrates how solar-powered desalination can effectively address the water-energy-food nexus, paving the way for similar initiatives in other semi-arid regions. For more information on the research and its implications, you can visit the Civil Engineering Department at the Hashemite University.
