Operating Agent: Dr. Julian Blanco
Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT)
Plataforma Solar de Almeria

Scope and nature of work

Task VI was created with the main objective to provide the solar energy industry, the water sector and electricity sectors, governments, renewable energy organizations and related institutions in general with the most suitable and accurate information on the technical possibilities for effectively applying solar radiation to water processes, replacing the use of conventional energies.

The need for development of this specific area of solar energy arises from the serious water problems expected in many areas of the world during the coming decades. With the added prospects of increasing energy costs, it makes good sense to seriously consider the use of solar energy to solve or palliate water problems. Specific technological development will be required for this.

The scope of work covers all solar radiation technologies supplying either thermal or photon primary energy to a water treatment process. In other words, any water treatment process in which solar energy can be used in the place of other conventional energy resources. Processes and applications included in the scope of the Task are the following:

• Brackish and seawater desalination: Any technical procedure or methodology for removing or reducing the salt content from water.
• Water detoxification: Removal of organic compounds, heavy metals and/or hazardous substances in general from water.
• Water disinfection: Control and/or elimination of pathogenic populations from water for human or animal consumption or irrigation.

The purpose of this Task is to improve the conditions for solar water treatment market introduction and solve water problems at locations with abundant solar energy resources, while contributing to reduced fossil-fuel consumption. The main specific focus of the activities and initiatives addressed is to show and demonstrate the potential of solar energy for water applications.

Structure

Task VI is organized into the following three domains or subtasks:

• Subtask A: CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER AND DESALINATION PLANTS.
• Subtask B: INDEPENDENT SOLAR THERMAL DESALINATION SYSTEMS (kW-SIZE).
• Subtask C: SOLAR WATER DETOXIFICATION AND DISINFECTION SYSTEMS.

Summary of ongoing activities (2008)

Task VI is open to all IEA/SolarPACES members, who want to actively participate into any activity described within the scope of the Task. Currently (2008), Germany Mexico and Spain are participating in Task VI. Ongoing activities are presented within the following Table, following the previous structure. In the sharing column, “I” refers to information sharing; “M” to task sharing by member countries, “T” to task sharing trough SolarPACES; and “C” to cost sharing. Main SolarPACES contact person is indicated.