Efficient combination of Concentrated Solar Power and desalination (with particular focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region)

Topic description

Specific Challenge:

Several arid and semi-arid regions of the world are highly dependent on desalination and the demand for desalination is projected to grow. Many of these regions have also an abundant solar resource, which is suitable for the application of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). Several technical aspects need to be addressed to match the thermal cycle of a CSP plant to the energy needs of a desalination system in an effective way.

Support will be given to demonstrate efficient solutions that couple the thermal cycle of a CSP plant to a water desalination system.

The proposals are expected to bring technologies to TRL 6 (please see part G of the General Annexes) at the end of the project activities.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 6 to 10 million would allow this challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

In line with the strategy for EU international cooperation in research and innovation (COM(2012)497), international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The participation of organisations from these countries as partners in the project will be positively evaluated.

The expected impacts are a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions from desalination and strengthened international cooperation. This will support the objectives of the many international initiatives that are currently addressing the crucial nexus between energy and water systems.

Clean Energy
International cooperation