Power and desalination in the Arabian Gulf region: an overview

Most of the states constituting the Arabian Gulf region are so deficient in renewable water resources that they now rely almost exclusively on seawate r desalination. The present overview considers the various options that are used to link together electric power production and desalination. The bene fits and shortcomings of these options are outlined and the influence of th e relative demand for electricity and water on the optimum type of plant is examined. The operational and commercial characteristics of the various de salination processes are summarized. The future prospects of both power and desalination production are discussed and the subsequent paths that desali nation technology will follow in the region are suggested. The environmenta l impacts of power generation and desalination are explored and possible mi tigating measures covering each type of impact are proposed. Finally, it is submitted that the social benefits of power and desalination in the area c annot be considered as having been truly realized unless regulatory standar ds relevant to these impacts are set up and adhered to.