The power efficiency of the Tajo-Segura transfer and desalination

Abstract

The origin of the water supply system of Tajo-Segura, in 1932, goes back to when it was the unique possible solution to the shortage of hydric resources in the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS). Its energy consumption is not homogeneous; it could be bigger or smaller, depending on the different water destination. The energy cost average of water of the Tajo-Segura water supply system is 1.21 kWh/m3. The energy consumption of desalination depends on the type of process used to desalinate the water, the time of operation and the capacity of the plant, and also on the density of water to treat. In any case, the energy consumption of the desalination ranges between 3.8 and 4.2 kWh/m3; obviously that is bigger than those obtained of the Tajo-Segura water supply system (1.21 kWh/m3).