M.S. Thesis: Utilization of Exhaust Steam of Waste to Energy (WTE) Power Plants for Water Desalination
By Jingya Wei
Advisor: Profs. Nickolas J. Themelis
Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering
Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science
Columbia University
December 2015
This study showed that the cogeneration of power and water is an ecological and economical solution, both for WTE and fossil fuel-fired power plants. Considering the benefits and requirements of WTE-desalination cogeneration plants, the most promising places for this technique are those tropical islands or gulf cities with little access to land, fuels and waters. Suitable regions include the Mediterranean Sea (Cyprus, Crete, etc.), Persian Gulf countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, etc.), Caribbean Sea islands, the Red Sea, etc. The cases of Cyprus and Union Territory of Lakshadweep (India) were analyzed. This study also included the energy and resource side benefits. However, additional cost-benefit analysis is necessary for a specific geographic area.