Power firms probe desalination ...

Excerpt from the Age:

Power firms probe desalination

27 June 2007

Latrobe Valley power companies are investigating desalination as a solution to long-term water shortages that threaten electricity supplies.

A draft feasibility study, commissioned by the State Government and the power companies, has explored a range of options including the use of desalinated water, dry cooling systems and direct use of sea water (not desalinated).

The study was carried out by consultants Sigma Energy Solutions, and power stations were developing their own business cases, said Loy Yang Power's general manager of power and environment, Richard Elkington.

Sigma has developed dry cooling systems for power generators in Queensland.

Premier Steve Bracks has said that a proposal announced last year to replace the drinking water now used by the Latrobe Valley power generators with 100 billion litres of recycled water annually from Melbourne Water's eastern treatment plant will proceed.

But it is believed that this proposal has lost favour with some power companies, which prefer desalination or dry cooling as easier, cheaper and safer options.
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See - Power stations - desal is easier, cheaper and safer.