Oman considering solar-powered desalination plant

Oman is close to commissioning a solar-powered desalination plant from the Indian Research Centre, according to the Indian Express website.
The Omani Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED), a government agency, is in discussion with the Bhavnagar-based Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI) to set up the plant with a production capacity of 6,000 litres per hour, an investment of over $850,000.

The proposed plant in Oman will use solar photovoltaic panels for the treatment of water through patented CSMCRI membrane technology. “Since photovoltaic panels cost more, we decided to work on the idea to make it more viable. We have come up with a solar panel, which uses just half the number of solar panels to generate the same amount of power,” said CSMCRI director Dr Pushpito Ghosh.

The CSMCRI is also in discussions with Ras Al-Khaimah to built a similar plant in the UAE emirate, according to Gosh.