The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institution under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has been playing a pivotal role in ocean technology innovation, including the establishment of a Green and Self-powered Desalination Plant in Lakshadweep.
Proposed Desalination Plant in Lakshadweep
In an effort to provide potable water to six islands in Lakshadweep, the NIOT is using Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) technology. Currently, the desalination plants are powered by diesel generator sets – each capable of providing at least 100,000 litres of drinkable water every day. One of the projects that the NIOT is currently undertaking is making this process emission-free.
Green and Self-powered Desalination Plant
The proposed desalination plant will employ a combination of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and wave energy. With the utilization of reverse osmosis (RO) technology, the plant will convert seawater into potable water. The Green and Self-powered Desalination Plant, first of its kind globally, will be set up in an island with high potential for renewable energy generation. It aims to produce drinking water using indigenous technology, green energy, and eco-friendly processes, all while being self-powered.
The Need for Green Energy
The current LTTD process consumes diesel and needs diesel generator sets. This is problematic since diesel is a precious commodity in these islands and has to be shipped from the mainland. Moreover, it isn’t eco-friendly.
Low Temperature Thermal Desalination Technology
Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) is a technique used to convert seawater into drinkable water. The concept is based on the fact that ocean water is 4-8 degrees Celsius colder than surface water, 1000 to 2000 feet below the surface. The technique involves applying high pressure to surface water and condensing the vaporized water with cold ocean water to create fresh water.
Desalination Plant
Desalination plants turn saltwater into drinkable water by removing salts from the water. Reverse osmosis is the most commonly used technology for this process. It works by applying external pressure to push solvents from an area of high-solute concentration to an area of low-solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane. These plants are usually set up in locations where access to seawater is easy.
Impact of NIOT’s Self-powered Desalination Plant
The successful implementation of NIOT’s self-powered desalination plant in Lakshadweep will necessitate collective effort from all stakeholders involved. The project has the potential to serve as a sustainable solution to the region’s water scarcity problem and act as a model for other coastal communities facing similar challenges.
Prior Initiatives of NIOT
In the past, NIOT has successfully developed the world’s first Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant in Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep. This catered to the water requirements of locals in Karavatti, Minicoy, and Agatti. The LTTD process, unlike reverse osmosis, doesn’t require any chemical pre and post-treatment of seawater. Therefore, it had minimal environmental impact and required less operational maintenance compared to other desalination processes.
