Economic evaluation of nuclear seawater desalination in an Algerian site: La Macta

Abstract

As the need for fresh water and electricity increases rapidly in Algeria, the authorities launched a study to assess the potentialities of using nuclear energy for electricity and potable water production. This study which started in 2007 is held under the framework of an IAEA Project and its objective is to provide a document which will be used to support the government's decision to introduce the nuclear desalination in Algeria. To that end, one site has been selected to host nuclear desalination plant. This site is located in North West region of the country. In this study, we present the results achieved under this project and which corresponds to the economical evaluation of coupling several nuclear reactors: GT-MHR, PBMR, AP1000 & PWR900, with two desalination processes MED and RO. The results are compared with those obtained with fossil energy sources: Natural Gas Turbine and Natural Gas Combined Cycle.