Qatar researchers seek Spanish help with solar desalination

By the end of November, the Qatar Energy and Environment Research Institute (QEERI) QEERI is due to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish energy research centre CIEMAT for a solar-powered desalination pilot project.

QEERI recently completed a business plan for covering projects for the next 3‑5 years. The business plan calls for a 300 kW concentrated solar power (CSP) parabolic mirror trough connected to an evaporation desalination system, integrated with a molten-salt storage tank to capture thermal energy and supply power through the night.

CEIMAT has the largest solar laboratory in the world and will make use of its experience and knowledge in renewable energy to bring the project forward. The first challenge is to find the optimum location for the plant.